Hi ThingWithFeathers, I can imagine that must have been a
really hard thing to do for you, so really
well done!!!

And maybe there's no rush to tell your mum,
right now?? It can be/
is a
massive step in itself disclosing to
one person, so if you want to give yourself a little time before telling your mum.........??
But perhaps your dad could help you prepare for telling your mum, be there with you when you tell her, or/and be there for you afterwards??
But
please remember whatever her (anyone's!!) reactions it's
not something that makes you any less of a person, it's
not something you chose, it's
not your fault.
And
if it hurts her then
you are
not the one responsible for that hurt, just like you are
not responsible for the hurt they caused you.
I
hope she can give you the support you need/
deserve...........but if that doesn't happen, or if doesn't happen right away (if she needs time to offer you that) then you still have your dad and there
are people here who
can offer you support and understanding.
I know it may not make everything "better", but perhaps another step on the road towards healing.

Alison