So, Yes, We Did It...
It's been a few days since we did it... and life feels as fine as it ever has, but perhaps just a little calmer. I'm sitting on the edge of my bed, as I always do on a Sunday morning, typing away at my laptop and sipping coffee. Shane is wrapped in blankets and snoozing... make that snoring. The poor thing has a terrible cold. Meanwhile, the cats are romping around the living room. They're having what Shane calls a "mad half-hour."
All of this adds up to a typical morning of pure domestic bliss for me. I have to admit, though, that it's a little sweeter today. I realize that as I look over my shoulder to see how Shane is doing and spot the gold wedding band on his finger. So many feelings come over me as I stare at it for a few seconds... love, comfort, security, peace, a future with a personally built family that cannot be taken away.
So, yes, Shane and I were finally legally hitched last week. On February 22nd, we were civilly united at a Garden State Equality rally in Maplewood, New Jersey. The mayor, who literally helped us from being lost in a town that resembled the set of a horror movie, officiated it.
It was a lovely event and experience...and harrowing... and funny... and so many other things that will make for great storytelling in years to come. There were so many moments over the last two weeks when I wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake in getting Shane and I involved in such a circus of an evening. But we agreed that we wanted the share our love and commitment with the world. And we wanted to show that all gay men don't look and sound like Will Truman or the cast of "Queer As Folk." We're real folks who live and love like everyone else... and who need to have the same civil rights as everyone else.
The next morning, the New York Daily News helped us make our point: http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/500144p-421596c.html
So, mission accomplished on many fronts. Shane and I now have legal proof of our commitment, though we're happily anticipating the day when it's full marriage with all of the federal protection that comes with that.
But, most important, we had a wonderful, love-affirming experience. And it's thanks to so many people that it happened, starting with...
...my gorgeous friend and producer Cynthia. You'll never know how much Shane and I love you, as well as how much I value you and your talent and passion and insanity and so many other things. You are absolute and never-ending sunshine in my life.
...my soul-sistah A-Lo. Your laughter and enormous, beautiful heart make my day better. I've said it to you personally, and now I'll say it publicly... I'd be lost in my days without you there. To call you a friend doesn't capture it. You are FAMILY, girl. Forever and always.
...my program director, Dave, who has become more of a pal than a boss. He doesn't read these things, but he knows how much I depend on his guidance and wisdom. The best thing is how we now talk like a couple of old married men. It was so appropriate and perfect that he (and Cynthia) were our official witnesses as Shane and I exchanged vows.
...my baby-doll, Keith. I missed you so much last week. But we're both taking care of life and biz. You will never fully know how much your laughter keeps me going. I love you as if we were born into the same family fold. You are shining gold in my life.
...our new friend, DJ Airick. I still can't believe you drove all the way to see Shane and me united. It means more than you can ever know. You're a such sweetheart.
...the dearest souls Katie, Brad, Steven, Liz, and Chuck. I feel like I have a warm blanket of love around me when you folks are near. Thank you for being there and for experiencing our special time with us.
...and, finally, the people who actually tune into my radio shows everyday. You may not believe it, but you really are like friends who check in each morning. It sounds weird and trite, but it's true. To hear such beautiful emotion pouring over the phones on Friday morning was overwhelming. It feels sorta out-of-body and unreal. Thank you for traveling on this crazy and wonderful journey with us.
The best is yet to come. I promise.
With that... my HUSBAND has awakened. Time to enjoy our day alone together.
Truly wonderful things can happen to you. All you've gotta do is believe.
All of this adds up to a typical morning of pure domestic bliss for me. I have to admit, though, that it's a little sweeter today. I realize that as I look over my shoulder to see how Shane is doing and spot the gold wedding band on his finger. So many feelings come over me as I stare at it for a few seconds... love, comfort, security, peace, a future with a personally built family that cannot be taken away.
So, yes, Shane and I were finally legally hitched last week. On February 22nd, we were civilly united at a Garden State Equality rally in Maplewood, New Jersey. The mayor, who literally helped us from being lost in a town that resembled the set of a horror movie, officiated it.
It was a lovely event and experience...and harrowing... and funny... and so many other things that will make for great storytelling in years to come. There were so many moments over the last two weeks when I wondered if I'd made a terrible mistake in getting Shane and I involved in such a circus of an evening. But we agreed that we wanted the share our love and commitment with the world. And we wanted to show that all gay men don't look and sound like Will Truman or the cast of "Queer As Folk." We're real folks who live and love like everyone else... and who need to have the same civil rights as everyone else.
The next morning, the New York Daily News helped us make our point: http://www.nydailynews.com/front/story/500144p-421596c.html
So, mission accomplished on many fronts. Shane and I now have legal proof of our commitment, though we're happily anticipating the day when it's full marriage with all of the federal protection that comes with that.
But, most important, we had a wonderful, love-affirming experience. And it's thanks to so many people that it happened, starting with...
...my gorgeous friend and producer Cynthia. You'll never know how much Shane and I love you, as well as how much I value you and your talent and passion and insanity and so many other things. You are absolute and never-ending sunshine in my life.
...my soul-sistah A-Lo. Your laughter and enormous, beautiful heart make my day better. I've said it to you personally, and now I'll say it publicly... I'd be lost in my days without you there. To call you a friend doesn't capture it. You are FAMILY, girl. Forever and always.
...my program director, Dave, who has become more of a pal than a boss. He doesn't read these things, but he knows how much I depend on his guidance and wisdom. The best thing is how we now talk like a couple of old married men. It was so appropriate and perfect that he (and Cynthia) were our official witnesses as Shane and I exchanged vows.
...my baby-doll, Keith. I missed you so much last week. But we're both taking care of life and biz. You will never fully know how much your laughter keeps me going. I love you as if we were born into the same family fold. You are shining gold in my life.
...our new friend, DJ Airick. I still can't believe you drove all the way to see Shane and me united. It means more than you can ever know. You're a such sweetheart.
...the dearest souls Katie, Brad, Steven, Liz, and Chuck. I feel like I have a warm blanket of love around me when you folks are near. Thank you for being there and for experiencing our special time with us.
...and, finally, the people who actually tune into my radio shows everyday. You may not believe it, but you really are like friends who check in each morning. It sounds weird and trite, but it's true. To hear such beautiful emotion pouring over the phones on Friday morning was overwhelming. It feels sorta out-of-body and unreal. Thank you for traveling on this crazy and wonderful journey with us.
The best is yet to come. I promise.
With that... my HUSBAND has awakened. Time to enjoy our day alone together.
Truly wonderful things can happen to you. All you've gotta do is believe.