commitments

reflecting on 2017 and today

20 January 2017 dawned somewhat gloomily in the greater Washington area with heavy clouds and decent temperatures to be outside, along with many questions about the future. Moving along the Beltway and anywhere except the Mall area was relatively easy as the Capitol police, the Secret Service, and greater D.C. police do their best to make access available to all, regardless of skin color, ethnic origin, citizenship, or voting preference, on this particular day.

The New York Times recorded the event but did not obsess about the crowd size which was considerably smaller than many similar events. The gathering was both solemn and joyful.

At the appointed hour, the man deputized to ancient yet legal ritual stepped forward. He was graying and appeared tired but had prepared meaningful remarks to set the stage. He read his remarks slowly to emphasize the sentiments but everyone attending already knew of their significance.

Two people stepped forward to utter commitments, the process done quickly to get to the resulting wide grins. The individuals thanked all in attendance.

And with that the formality ended, allowing all to mingle to celebrate the change as well as the continuity. It was easily the best action that occurred anywhere in the world that day, by design.

I celebrate our eighth anniversary today, one of the truly amazing joys of my incredible life. I married my best friend, a man of incredible talent, patience, generosity, and especially love. I reflect often how lucky I am to spend days with him, whether sitting across the room as we each work for perhaps three hours without exchanging a word, or traveling to places where he paints and I photograph. Two and a half hours at McIntyre’s Books in Chapel Hill is a superb date, reading whatever suits us but savoring the act of being together. I wonder at the serendipity of it all as life is replete with both missed opportunities as well as steps taken. I hope you have as much luck, splendid memories, and love as we do.

Thank you for your time today. I welcome any thoughts on your day in 2017–or today. I also would love to hear your wedding stories.

Most of all, I wish you hope today. Be well and be safe. FIN