February 15, 2005
Love Is All Around
photo courtesy of Derek Powazek
One year ago today, the Missus and I boarded an Alaska Air flight to San Francisco, embarking on a journey neither of us could have ever imagined. Little did we know what adventures, tortures, hilarity and misery were ahead of us.
Despite the spending 36 hours in the bitter cold and the pouring rain on the steps in front of City Hall, despite all of the interminable waiting, despite the sadly inevitable court ordered annulment of over 4000 marriage licenses, despite knowing that we still have a long, long way to go, I said it then and I'll say it again, I wouldn't trade the experience for anything.
So here's a toast to everyone who made that experience possible; Gavin Newsom, Mabel Teng, Mark Leno, the City and County Clerk employees, the hundreds of volunteers, all of the other couples, our friends and family who have always supported us (a special shout out to our partners in crime Staz and The Engineer, Jennie and Leah, Kelly and Hogan, Oddgirl, Dana, and Anna and Hillary for being right there with us in the cold and rain!), all of the people who brought us warm food, Krispy Kremes, flowers, the strangers who stood with us in solidarity, to everyone out there who saw what was happening in SF on TV and smiled - knowing history was being made, to the ones who sent flowers to anonymous couples, this entire online community and to all of you who left such kind and loving words in my little comment box, and to my wife... To all of you I say...
Happy Anniversary, and Thank You!
Cheers - MJ and the Missus
Posted by MJ at February 15, 2005 08:05 AM | TrackBackThanks for the memories, MJ -- they still make me cry. Congrats again to you and the Missus.
Posted by: Chari at February 15, 2005 08:36 AMCongratulations and Happy Anniversary!
and thanks; i needed something to smile about just now... (;
Posted by: mikey at February 15, 2005 10:51 AMIt was this story that originally drew me to your blog. I howled and howled when I read it.
I'd really love to be legally married to my gorgeous wife. I'm a US citizen and my gorgeous girl is Australian. We met in Japan. If we were a straight married couple, she could immigrate to the US as my wife. But since she's a chick, we can't do that. Luckily Australia allowed me to immigrate to Australia as her partner, and now I have Australian citizenship as well as US citizenship. Otherwise, where on earth could we make a home together?
Love to you and your sweetie. xxxx Anna
Posted by: anna at February 15, 2005 12:20 PMWow, MJ, what an amazing story. I had not read that in your archives before. I feel like such an unworthy fan. That is an amazing story of love and committment.
I look forward to the day when that license is recertified. Happy Anniversary to you and the Missus.
Posted by: G-man at February 15, 2005 12:43 PMI love you guys and I thank you and all of those lovely people who stood in line, in the wind and the rain, for all of us.
Happy Anniversary.
Posted by: mopsa at February 15, 2005 02:38 PMyou two are the BEST! Happy Valentines Day! :)
Posted by: Martini Mambo at February 15, 2005 07:05 PMCheers! Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: chele at February 15, 2005 07:44 PMI too read this story and your blog for the first time a year ago. I cried with joy over your adventures of that weekend. Happy Anniversary!
Posted by: Susan at February 15, 2005 08:27 PMMJ,
Thank you so much for linking back to your original story. I feel blessed that I was given the opportunity to read of yours and your wife's comittment to one another. It truly was an inspiring example for ALL couples. Straight or gay. God Bless you both.
Christ spoke often of His main message. Which was plain and simple, Love one another. And the two of you, ARE a shining example of love. I wish the two of you, a Happy Anniversary, and my best to you both. And again, thank you for sharing.
I didn't get married that day - long story- but I was there in the rain beaming at those who were.
Now I'll go find your post from last year, then!
Happy belated anniversary! All the best to you both.
Posted by: Asher Abrams at February 20, 2005 02:13 PM
