More Than Just Another Monday

Today seemed like every other Monday when the alarm went off at 6:10AM. I stumbled to the bathroom, managed to get dressed, grab my bag, lunch, and keys, and find my way to my car through swollen eyes barely open. The commute to work was uneventful and filed with frustrating moments in traffic jams while listening to radio DJ’s banter on about one thing or another in between the music they play so infrequently between 5am and 10am weekdays. My morning routine was the same today as it has been on 98% of every Monday morning for the last 6 years, and yet today is not like every other Monday morning and there can be no other Monday morning like today again.

Exactly 14 years ago today, my wife and I exchanged vows in an intimate commitment ceremony that will forever serve as my wedding day. It was almost a full year after we first met in June of 1995 and exactly 4 months after I first proposed to her on Valentines Day 1996. There was no church, no minister or Justice of the Peace. There were no flowers, no dress, no exotic location, not even a single witness, unless you count the cat. It was just us, two hearts very much in love who knew that this relationship would stand the test of time and be a forever partnership. And that was all we needed then, and now.

Because we live in Michigan, one of the many states who have forever entombed bigotry and discrimination in our state laws and constitution, we can not be legally married. One day that barrier will fall, like so many unjust laws before it already have, but it will change nothing from our past. A license will be applied for and granted, a certificate will be issued, signed, and made official with a short ceremony lacking in all the traditional pomp and circumstance that could make it a wedding. One day, probably about 6 years from today, there will be a vow renewal ceremony that will provide our friends and family the chance to share in the recognition of our small commitment ceremony 14 years ago today and all the joy it has brought us over the years. It is our hope that by then we will also be legally married in Michigan, but I won’t hold my breath. In any case, today Monday June 14, 2010 marks 14 years spent with my soul mate, best friend, partner, and wife Jennifer.

Happy Anniversary!