Today's 9 isn't our 9. Trust your gut. Trust your son. What purpose would it serve for him to prank you with this? It's terrifying to be different at that age.

Honestly, as the mother of 3 now grown boys, I'd start the conversation with letting him know that you love and support him without condition. Gay, straight, trans, in between, whatever, you got him. And then discuss the note. Tell him how proud you are he had the courage to write it and how honoured you were that he trusted you enough to do that....that's a huge thing.

I know I'm late to the party. I just saw this now. Hopefully you've already figured it all out.