CELEBRATION

Jennifer thought she looked just fine, but she still put up with her mother’s fussing. That was a mother’s prerogative, after all.

"Oh, you look so beautiful," her mother said. "I never thought I’d see this day."

"Neither did I," Jennifer admitted.

"I only wish your father had lived to see this."

"Would he have approved?" Jennifer asked.

"Yes. Yes he would have," her mother assured her. "Now, all that’s left is this." She took the long headdress and put it over Jennifer’s head. "There. Perfect. You’re the most beautiful bride ever."

"And you’re not biased at all," Jennifer laughed.

"You ready to go get married?" her mother asked.

"Sure am. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time."

They walked out to the foyer of the small Unitarian church. There Jennifer met Alan, her brother, who would be walking her down the aisle. "Congratulations, sis. I’m so happy for you."

"Thanks, big bro. Ready to go?"

"Let’s do it."

Jennifer had chosen to walk down the aisle to Bruce Springsteen’s "Two Hearts". Not a typical choice for a wedding processional, but it was one that said how she felt on this day. Alan proudly walked her down the aisle, and she beamed at all the smiles from her family and friends gathered there that day.

She reached the altar. She stood there, alone, and then turned towards the church entrance. The music changed, to the Beatles’ "All You Need Is Love."

And there, on the arms of her proud father, stood Kristin--Jennifer’s girlfriend, about to become her spouse. She walked down the aisle on her father’s arm, as beautiful in her wedding gown as Jennifer was. Neither of them could stop smiling as Kristin walked down the aisle. When she reached Jennifer’s side, the two of them shared a little giggle, still not quite believing that this day was here.

After nine years together, Kristin and Jennifer turned towards the minister, ready to finally say their wedding vows.

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It is May 17th, 2004

Exactly 16 years and one week ago, I asked my wife to go out with me.

10 1/2 years ago, we got married.

We got married because we love each other.

As of today, in my home state of Massachusetts, any two people who feel the way my wife and I did, and do, can get married without respect to genetalia.

It is a GREAT day to be from MA.

Congratulations to all those brave, loving people that fought for this.