10 Years Later

November 18, 2003

For most people, it was just another Tuesday.  

For us it was the day that changed everything.

On November 18, 2003, Justice Margaret Marshall penned the official decision that set the United States on the road to marriage equality.

Three years after the case was filed by 7 couples -- our movement's pioneers -- the court declared the following:

 “We construe civil marriage to mean the voluntary union of two persons as spouses, to the exclusion of all others. This reformulation redresses the plaintiffs’ constitutional injury and further the aim of marriage to promote stable, exclusive relationships.” It also added, “[E]xtending civil marriage to same-sex couples reinforces the importance of marriage to individuals and communities. That same-sex couples are willing to embrace marriage’s solemn obligations of exclusivity, mutual support, and commitment to one another is a testament to the enduring place of marriage in our laws and in the human spirit.”

Goodridge Case Details

It was just the beginning.

Just this past week, Hawaii became the 16th state to grant marriage equality. 

We have a president who embraces our families.  

Praise for the vote came from far and wide, including from the White House, with President Obama releasing the following statement: "I want to congratulate the Hawaii State Legislature on passing legislation in support of marriage equality.  With today’s vote, Hawaii joins a growing number of states that recognize that our gay and lesbian brothers and sisters should be treated fairly and equally under the law.  Whenever freedom and equality are affirmed, our country becomes stronger.  By giving loving gay and lesbian couples the right to marry if they choose, Hawaii exemplifies the values we hold dear as a nation.  I’ve always been proud to have been born in Hawaii, and today’s vote makes me even prouder.  And Michelle and I extend our best wishes to all those in Hawaii whose families will now be given the security and respect they deserve."

And it is all thanks to these 7 extraordinary couples.  I am blessed to call one of these couples, David Wilson and Rob Compton, friends.  

Together, these 14 people changed the world.  We celebrate them today, and everyday.

The Dream

This weekend I lived on the edge and baked my first apple pie.  Ever.  From scratch.  I love to bake but have never tackled pie.  Mostly because I'm just not personally a fan.  Turns out I make a superior pie.

Perhaps it is not the world's most beautiful, but it was outstandingly delicious.  So much so that I feel we should base our life's plan around it.

The Plan

300 acres.  And, not listed on this particular link is that the property has a little business on it - like a general type store.

So, new plan:

I bake.  Pies, cookies, muffins, you name it.  We brewing outstanding coffee.  We escape the mad rush of life and head to Henniker, NH.  Dora can get back to buying and selling horses, the child can run wild while honing her plan to become a chef/restaurateur.  All on our very own compound.

Step 1:  Play Win lotto. 

Faith in Humanity...Restored

Did you all see this?

The Make a Wish Foundation granted the most superb wish to Miles, a 5 year old boy who has been battling leukemia.  

They waved their magic wand (read: they worked their asses off) and turned San Francisco into Gotham City.  

Read the whole story here: BatKid

It is hard to pick a favorite aspect of something so magical and restorative for a child and family who have been through the hell that is childhood cancer, but I think it is the swarms of people flooding the streets that have restored my faith in humanity.

An unforgettable day, and not just for Miles.  Well done, San Francisco.

Hey There, November

It's my birthday month.  You have 25 days to plan.  I thought you'd appreciate the heads up.

Today the sun set on fall soccer.  Her team went out with a bang, winning 12-0.  Not that we're allowed to keep score.  (Seriously, at some point it's not about the journey, right?  Hashtag everyone doesn't get a trophy in real life.)

But I digress.  The kid played the best game of what was a weird season for her.  She was all over the ball - like the old Arden - and we're 100% convinced it is because they were playing her old coach's team.  

Photographic proof:

Against one of her first grade teammates from back in the day:

 Post game hydration for the delicate flower:

After soccer we hit one of the local state parks with the dogs.  Dora used to ride through these trails and knew all the hidden gems.  

PS: We totally watched this tonight.  Because it's November 2 and that makes it totally reasonable to start the Christmas movies.  At least according to us.  And the Hallmark Channel.