“When did you and Dad decide to adopt?”
Scott Miller talks to his mother, Jackie, about her decision to adopt him.
Recorded in partnership with In the Life TV in New York, NY.
Scott Miller and his mother Jackie
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Scott Miller and his mother Jackie
Interview transcript
SM: When did you and dad decide to adopt?
JM: We always knew from the time we first married and we must have talked about it even before that. You know, we are very methodical people.
SM: (laughs)
JM: Now, this is something you don’t know. When I was seventeen, I got pregnant. And the light of my life is my father but he gave me 24-hours to leave town. And, I did have a son. I gave this baby up for adoption and said at that time that I will adopt a child when I’m able to take care of a child.
SM: Wow. I just wasn’t ready for that.
JM: I’m sure.
SM: Thank you for telling me.
JM: So many times I would think, ‘Gosh, is this the time to tell him?’ But I’m 73 now and it just seems like such a big secret.
SM: Well, I guess, um, speaking of secrets. Um, when I came out, I remember kind of saying to you, ‘Hey Mom, I want to talk to you about something’ and I stumbled just telling you I was gay. The first thing out of your mouth was, ‘I love you and I’m your mother.’
JM: By that time I knew. There wasn’t even any question in my mind. You know, just as you were this wonderful little kid with curiosity and couldn’t speak well you–(laughs)
SM: (laughs)
JM: –You know, that was as much a part of you as any of the other things. It’s just…You! And I couldn’t be happier if you’re happy with your life. Plus, you help me with my hair sometimes…
SM: (laughs)
JM: (laughs)
SM: Yeah, it comes with its perks.
JM: There’s no downside for me.
SM: It’s kind of funny, I think of myself to be an emotional person but where you’re concerned, I try not to be very emotional and I worry that you’ll never know just how deeply I love you and how scary it is for me sometimes to imagine life without you.
JM: That’s something I can’t make better for you. I don’t doubt it’ll be tough but…you’ll be okay. The thing that’s been wonderful, sweetheart, is that we haven’t missed much, you know? We spend a lot of time together and you’ll have those memories.
