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Day 10 -- Truly a FAMILY value!

Name one thing you're thankful for today.


Our friend Lois got married yesterday -- and she made the front page of the paper. We're so happy for her! It's too bad that it took 23 years for the state of Iowa to recognize her loving, committed family relationship, though. She and her partner, Karen, have been together THAT long. Over two decades and two beautiful daughters later, Iowa finally started legally recognizing same-sex marriages yesterday. Just this morning, I have found out that several other friends picked up marriage licenses and/or actually got married yesterday, too! Congratulations to all!

I'm so proud to be an Iowan. I'm thankful that my son is being raised in a community that values human rights (as well as lots of other admirable notions, such as environmental advocacy, organic farming, quality health care, outstanding educational opportunities, and so on). And on day 2 of official "marriage equality" in Iowa, I take a moment to be thankful for my own marriage to a wonderful partner, lover, father of my child, and my best friend.

Marriage isn't easy. It takes work and dedication and nurturing and a lot of patience on both sides. It's nice, though, that now EVERYONE who wants to can give it a try and make the public, legal declaration to go with the personal commitment. The health care benefits for spouses doesn't hurt, either.

Finally, a couple thoughts from others on marriage, no matter what your orientation:

To keep your marriage brimming,
With love in the loving cup,
Whenever you're wrong admit it;
Whenever you're right shut up.
-- Ogden Nash

Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry.
-- Tom Mullen

Marriage is not just spiritual communion, it is also remembering to take out the trash.
-- Joyce Brothers

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