H’burg’s bridge was lit a few months ago to honor Ukraine’s struggle. This month it is lit to celebrate pride, denoting self-affirmation, dignity and equality of humans.
A friend from graduate school was in town, here from Boston, attending a wedding of a “thruple.” When I asked about the thruple, the answer was: “It may seem complicated, but all love and commitment is a blessing.”
And then conversation moved on to the next wine poured, Chenin Blanc, and reminisces of our first visit to Healdsburg. The year was 1978. The day was November 27, indelibly etched in memory as the day Harvey Milk and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone were shot and killed. It’s interesting that the conversation about a thruple wedding transitioned so easily to everyday topics and travel.
Speaking with my eldest daughter, who married last year, I mentioned how times have changed—I guess every parent does that. And so, I explained: When I grew up, the expectation was marriage would be within a family’s ethnic group. If not that, then within the same religious belief. And so on, with expectations to less discussable prejudices like race, color and gender. How times have changed in 50 years. When humans see a need for change, it’s almost a given that the time for change is now. And yet, gentler and deeper changes seem to occur with time’s assistance.
Fun facts: A favor for a friend on the occasion of his partner’s birthday: “I never tire of your company, no matter where I am in this world. I remember when you came off the plane from England with Marie in 1991. You wore a robin’s egg blue vest, and you were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. I was in love. I knew then I would ask you to marry me. The journey continues…forever.” With time’s assistance, peace through grace dear friends. Happy Flag Day & Pride Day remembrances.
