Class of May 17

I had a strange experience in the pharmacy just a half an hour ago. I was at the newspaper rack looking for a copy of the Herald for my scrapbook when I was confronted with a picture of myself. And Jane. And the kids. It was, of course, the cover of this week's Transcript, and we are the cover story. While I knew it existed, and have bought three copies for myself, I was taken aback. I just wasn't expecting to see it at that particular moment. It was a bizarre feeling.

This moment came after spending my lunch hour hunting for any online pictures of us from yesterday's celebration. There appears to be only one AP photo [update 6/4/05: it's been removed] where Sophie, half of Gavi, and I appear in the background (to the right, just above Goodridge plaintiff Rob Compton's finger). A large photo of the entire crowd appeared on the cover of this morning's Metro, and you can barely make out Jill, Jane, and Bij -- alas, the kids and I are blocked by David and Rob. The version available on the Freedom to Marry Web site appears to be cropped just before where we were standing.

Ah well. We have not achieved fame, but we have achieved a powerful political status. I feel honored to be part this time in history, and so privileged to take part in this movement. I've met so many wonderful people, and heard such great stories...how can this be bad for the country and society?

I could go on and on about all the arguments, but it's all been said before, and I don't have much that's new to add -- except this: I once knew an apparently straight couple who refused to get married until their same-sex friends and neighbors (and there were many) had the right to do so. I'm not aware of any new plans on their part, but I do know that I've never met any straight couples who have decided in the past year that they will NOT get married now because queers can.

Proud (step-)Mama

I was reminded this weekend of just how lucky I am to have Jane, Sophie, and Gavi in my life:

1) Sophie has been planning Jane's Mother's Day breakfast for weeks. I agreed to help her with this plan, as she wanted to make crepes, one of my specialties. So we made the crepe batter on Saturday night after driving through a waning Nor'easter to pick up fresh fruit to accompany them. I wake up at 7:00am Sunday morning to the sound of the coffee grinder whirring away and Jane telling me that Sophie was in the kitchen and it smelled very citrus-y. Jane tried to convice me to stay in bed, but I was eager to know what she was up to. Upon entering the kitchen, I found find that Sophie had already peeled and cut the fruit for the fruit salad, made coffee, and juiced the oranges...herself. She had been up since 6:00.

After a moment of shock (and pride), I got down to the business of crepe-making. Sophie loaded the fruit salad, freshly-squeezed OJ, and hot crepes onto the tray and we presented Jane with her Mother's Day treat. Needless to say Jane was very happy and proud.

Gavi slept through it all. But:

2) He had a really OUTSTANDING game Monday night. Not only did he acquit himself admirably in the postition of third baseman with two excellent defensive plays, but also shined with three memorable at-bats. The first resulting in a walk (after being hit on the helmet by a pitch), the second a grounder single, and then thirdly a STELLAR line drive to center field for a triple -- bases were loaded and it could've been a grand slam, but Coach Matt kept him at third. Everybody was on their feet. THEN, as if it couldn't get any better, Gavi pitched for two innings with Sophie as his catcher. He owned that game.

When we went out to Friendly's to celebrate, he walked with a confident swagger that was hard to miss.

*Sigh* I'm so in love with these kids.

Today. In a Nutshell.

Wake.
Kiss Jane good-bye.
Wake up the children.
Feed the children.
Groom the children.
Feed self.
Groom self.
Pile children and all accompanying gear and supplies into the car.
Drive children to school.
Drive self to work.
Work.
Leave early.
Drive back to school.
Girl Scouts.
Direct 10 Girl Scouts to design quilt.
Home.
Children: baseball uniforms.
Self: baseball parent uniform (jeans and T-shirt).
Stuff snacks into bag for game.
Hot dogs (heated while changing, eaten in car on way to field).
Little League.
Cheer on brilliant and athletically gifted children.
Ignore Jane's ex (attempted: failed).
Meet Jane.
Drive home.
Leave immediately for Staples.
Buy ink cartridge.
Buy card stock.
Home.
Kiss children good-night.
Kiss Jane good-night.
Beer.
Chocolate chip cookies.
Design table toppers for tomorrow's fundraiser.
Blog.
Sleep.