Wedded Bliss

One of the things about being a mom is this new found pressure for Hank and Clara to have a good world to grow up in. Sure, before the kids were born, I had my pet issues that I supported. But, I find that I am much more concerned now about moving society in a direction that maximizes the good for the whole. Certainly, my time is limited these days, so I can only do little things here and there. It's part of the reason we are doing a farm share this year, why we try to recycle whenever possible, even small things like using canvas bags at the store.

Yesterday was one of those few days where it seemed like just maybe things were moving in a good direction. Everyone has a "tie themselves to a tree" cause. Mine has always been gay marriage. It is so hard to find someone to love that you want to commit yourself to. Period. Regardless of gender. Regardless of sexual orientation. When two people find each other and decide to live their live together, I am completely for it. So, with California again permitting marriages between two consenting adults, regardless of gender, yesterday was a great day. I spent a good amount of time looking through online photo albums of the happy couples.

I lived in San Francisco when the city first permitted gay marriages a few years ago. I went down to city hall to extend my congratulations, pass out flowers, and do my little part to cancel out protesters. I am not a romantic, but it is fair to say that love was in the air in ways I never knew possible.

I am hopeful that at least in the babies lifetime, these unjustified questions and attempts to limit partnerships will fade into the past, as just another remnant of a time when prejudice and fear overshadowed love and respect for differences. I fear the path won't be linear and that, like most things worthwhile, it will be two steps forward and one step back. But, for now, I am happy to be able to tell Hank and Clara about this special time and share some of the tales of these happy couples.