Two More Days
While Jake played the lead character in “John Henry” today in the first grade play- he pulled off a moving and dramatic death scene with a convincing drop to the floor- I couldn’t help but think about what was going to happen.
In two days, there will be a vote. There is a slight chance of another postponement but in all probability, a vote to send the issue of gay marriage to the ballot in Massachusetts in 2008 will be held.
All it takes is 50 out of 200 votes to send it.
50.
The four of us- Walter, Allan, Jeanine and I- sat in the hallway after the play and went through Jake’s progress folio- a binder filled with his accomplishments from the year.
Jake beamed when the principal walked by and said, My goodness! Aren’t you a lucky boy!
I thought about how Jake had jumped down from the raised pulpit at the wedding ceremony. We had asked Walter and Allan to share in the joy and responsibility of being parents. They accepted. All five of us went to light a candle, showing our new, single family.
The minister then offered the new family to the guests. Everyone clapped. The boys went to sit back down.
Jake was 4 ½ years old and dutifully carried our rings down the aisle. He stood stone serious when the minister was talking and when the four adults read their pledges to the kids. But in the end? He leapt off the stage, to the delight of the crowd.
It was not part of the rehearsal. I don't think the drop to the floor today was part of the rehearsal either.
I never thought I would ever be treated fairly in this society. I never thought marriage was ever going to be a possibility. But it is. I was able to get married.
And by the powers invested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the minister said, while everyone applauded wildly, I now pronounce you legally married.
Now a mere 50 people can take that all away.
In two days, there will be a vote. There is a slight chance of another postponement but in all probability, a vote to send the issue of gay marriage to the ballot in Massachusetts in 2008 will be held.
All it takes is 50 out of 200 votes to send it.
50.
The four of us- Walter, Allan, Jeanine and I- sat in the hallway after the play and went through Jake’s progress folio- a binder filled with his accomplishments from the year.
Jake beamed when the principal walked by and said, My goodness! Aren’t you a lucky boy!
I thought about how Jake had jumped down from the raised pulpit at the wedding ceremony. We had asked Walter and Allan to share in the joy and responsibility of being parents. They accepted. All five of us went to light a candle, showing our new, single family.
The minister then offered the new family to the guests. Everyone clapped. The boys went to sit back down.
Jake was 4 ½ years old and dutifully carried our rings down the aisle. He stood stone serious when the minister was talking and when the four adults read their pledges to the kids. But in the end? He leapt off the stage, to the delight of the crowd.
It was not part of the rehearsal. I don't think the drop to the floor today was part of the rehearsal either.
I never thought I would ever be treated fairly in this society. I never thought marriage was ever going to be a possibility. But it is. I was able to get married.
And by the powers invested in me by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the minister said, while everyone applauded wildly, I now pronounce you legally married.
Now a mere 50 people can take that all away.
posted by Sara at 2:20 PM
3 Comments:
I'm holding my breath for you (and everyone else).
It's not right and it's not fair when the majority gets to decide on the minority's rights. This should never go to a ballot.
Your ceremony sounds amazing. And you have such great kids :o)
It just isn't right. I was talking to your namesake at lunch and she was saying they can't take away what you already have it sucks. And why only 50 votes out of 200? last I checked it is usually majority to decide something. If people would stop hiding behind the bible to cover thier homophobia and actually got to know you they would see your marriage is more normal then most hetersexuals.
Love you keeping positive thoughts for a positive outcome.
P>S and yes your ceremony was amazing in every way.
Tell sara jr. to study law so she can fix it.
Yes, they can take it away. Look at the Patriot Act. We all lost a lot of rights overnight.
To send an issue to ballot, by the constitution of massachusetts, you only need 1/3 votes, two sessions in a row. the last session, it was passed, 58 pro, 142 against. Several of those legislators who voted pro sending it to ballot, lost their seats in the election.
Current tally? I don't know. I know it's very close.
tell sara to go into law. it's the only way to make this better- a younger, more informed generation.
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