HOST JACKIE TANTILLO - When Feeling Most Vulnerable, My Mom Was a Gift with Guest West African Journalist Chisom Peter Job

<p>Life sometimes has a funny way of turning out. Sometimes a dire situation presents itself and the outcome is much better than we could have ever imagined. In this particular case, it took a mother to show her true love, courage and support and possibly willingly risk jail time to prove  to her son that she loved him with her whole heart.  </p><p>While convalescing at home, Chisom finally was courageous enough to come out to his loving parents. Bedridden and home bound after his initial collapse, he was convinced it was time to open up to his parents about his sexuality. At a most vulnerable time in his life, he was scared and nervous about telling his parents the truth, that he was gay.  He was certain that both his parents loved him unconditionally but  was afraid this was going to be too much for them.  "Knowing that my parents loved me so much, made it that much easier to come out to them and be open with them," added Chisom. His mother's response was " I know, I've always known," says my guest.</p><p>On a grander scale, writing a personal essay about being a member of the LGBTQ community and  having his story published in the NY Times Modern Love Column was frighting.  Possibly the whole world could read it and find out the truth, that Chisom was a member of the gay community. Chisom's essay is an endearing story of his parent's love for their son. His mother, who's name is Gift, is exceptionally open and honest and loving of her son, regardless of his sexual preference. One can only hope, that everyone struggling with coming out to their loved ones, will receive the same openness and acceptance.</p><p>Chisom's message to his mother "You are a rock star. You are a gift to me. And I love you very much. Words can't describe how much I love you and how much you mean to me. Everything I do, I do it for you. You are always there for me and you always support me. You always tell me to shoot for the stars".</p><p>**In February 2021, Chisom has hired to be the Deputy Editor and Culture and Technology reporter  of