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| Marriage equality, AMEN! |
The emotions I feel are surprising. I always knew that marriage was different from Commitment Ceremonies, Domestic Partnerships, or Civil Unions (all of which we did), but I didn't know how that would translate emotionally. There really are no words sufficient to express the magnitude and gratitude I feel that I can now call Donna my wife and have it be true legally, as well as emotionally. It was a long time coming. As Donna and I stood before our dear friend Laura Cotritch, who performed the marriage in a small service at our home, it was priceless. Our children sat nearby, holding hands and beaming with pride that they could share in our moment. It was one of the most profound moments I've shared with her. Only the birth of each of our children match it.
That same joy greeted me as I went to the town hall today and picked up our marriage certificate and realized, "I'm married now!" It's slowly sinking in. As I sat there admiring the certificate, I couldn't wait to go to my doctor's appointment on January 6th just so I could check off "married" on the paperwork. I wonder how many other couples who are married feel the same way? From my vantage point, having had to wait more than 13 years to check that box makes it more significant somehow.
We are truly blessed. The abundance of love and affection we received from family and friends was remarkable. It was a wonderful testament of the support and love we have always enjoyed, but their joy was only surpassed by our own. For example, my best friend of nearly 30 years drove 18 hours in the span of two days to be there and witness our marriage. And the love and affection just keep on coming. Imagine my surprise when a friend of ours bumped into me at the grocery store yesterday and was moved to tears (which moved me to tears) when she congratulated me and hugged me un-apologetically as I cashed out.
So this blog is really a thank you to all of you who have seen us as a married couple well before December 11th, 2013. It's so special to know that you share in our love and support us so openly. It's also a call to action for the remaining 36 states in America that need to extend marriage equality to all of its citizens. Every couple, regardless of their orientation, should be able to enjoy all the rights, privileges and responsibility that comes with marriage. I'm absolutely thrilled that I get to enjoy mine with Donna-Mae Graffam.
