It is hard for me to put into words today the feelings in my heart. There was a moment this evening on my way to the marriage equality rally when an older, graying couple in farmer jeans and worn-out hats stood shoulder to shoulder paying for the parking meter and then paused to look at one another and smile with a look only those who know one anothers darkness as well as light can give before taking each other by the hand and making their way toward the distant cheers of celebration echoing from the amphitheater at Library Square. My eyes focused on their clasped hands as cars passed nearby on busy 600 South and no one honked or yelled jeers out their rolled-down windows as was the commonplace response to the sight of two men holding hands for most of my life. I thought of how things can change--how love and patience can allow us to coexist here in the city of salt in ways I never would have imagined. I thought of the texts of congratulations I received from both my parents--who are now in their mid-seventies--early this morning, and of the embraces of celebration shared with coworkers this afternoon. How could I have conceived of such a world growing up in rural Rexburg, Idaho? I had resolved I could never tell the truth about who I was to anyone, and determined at one point that it wasnt worth living in such a hostile world. Walking behind those old hand-holding cowboys on the way to tonights rally I couldnt help but smile and think how grateful I am that I survived to see today. I wish I could go back and tell my 14 year-old self to hold on, that it will all be worth it someday--that the world, and people, can change. I suppose this is my way of telling him now. Hey John, we made it.
Posted on: Tue, 07 Oct 2014 03:23:17 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015