Everything is Different Ten years ago the glorious sun burst through the clouds and that ray, one electric golden ray, shot down from a small opening in the ominous sky and illuminated our bands, ' as I, with cupped hands, purified them in the Atlantic. . Our breath stopped. ’ Standing a few hours later in the small stone chapel our vows cut deep and resonated throughout us. ' The universe screamed, YES! 4 V Screamed with nature’s trusted golden orb as messenger. Can you imagine sitting with a young girl, a girl you rocked and held, fed and bathed, sitting while pain dilates her pupils and fear grips you both? Can you imagine s_itting and telling her to wait till her “other” mommy gets there before you rush to the emergency room? Can you imagine all the while you know her appendix is like a tiny bomb waiting to burst and flood her with poison, and you have to wait because even though the universe shone its very blessing into your heart you don’t have a document that makes you her parent? And imagine waiting because you feel powerless in a culture that asserts you’re not a legal parent? Now, with this Civil Union document, signed by the town clerk and authorized by the State of Vermont, she is my wife; she is their mother. Spouse is synonymous with union: union in the kitchen, union in the household, union in stranger’s eyes. Spouse conjures up a single red rose next to a reserve sign - on a table set for two on an anniversary night. Spouse allows access into an emergency room, . an insurance policy and your future. The legal document we hold in our filing cabinet opens doors. ' 5; And not just hospital doors or office. doors, ' ’ * « ’- lf] i,Buf;doors. of language eintovtitlesuoncle denied. Eyerything is different. — Moira Donovan Reading through the May issue of OITM, I was delighted to see the article I wrote ten‘ years ago, . “The Right to Wed”, reprinted as part of the “Replay” section of the paper. But as I read through it I realized everything is now different in my life. Not that everything I wrote is a lie, but every- thingis different now. Civil Unions really do make a difference. The law sanctifies who we are. This poem is a response to my writing of ten years ago... . 6 Moira & Mary joyfully will celebrate the one year anniversary of their Civil Union on July 7th. They live in Waterville. Sarah Harrington, a Realtor dedicated to our community! - Mountain Pride Media - Board Member ’99, ’00 - Pride Committee - Silent Auction ’98, ’99, ’00 - Rainbow Business Association - President ’98 Call Sarah you’re buying or selling your home. RWW-X . \ 553 Roosevelt Highway, Colchester, VT 05446 (802)655-3333 x30 M iune 20Q10|T|‘1°9 REflAR( North Professionals 6 Each Ottn';t,- liidependently Owned and Operated » I SELLING BUYING REAL ESTATE? Call JACKIE frtc/eie Marina REALTOR 802-655-3377 X23 802-639-4520 X23 e—moil ]ackie@together.net ‘ “Out and Serving our Community since 1989” Benez Hamdm awfitv cog cnmwg Monday-Saturday 9-9 Sunday 11-5 518 Shelhurne Road Next to Mall 189 frame it I If it’s got anything to do "with frames and framing, ‘ -‘we've got it. B62-0546 www.beniranklin.baweb.com Get discounts join our Craft Club! (302) 655-3333 EXT. 17 (300) 639-4520 EXT. 17 RVMK North Professionals www.condoguy.com Lnws DON’Tl CHHNGE BY THEMSELVES. It takes work - GLAD’s work. Marriage LGBT Knuth HIV Discrimination Family Protections ' Sodomy Law Reform Employment Civil Unions Boy Scouts Transgender Healthcare Access ’ Law Enforcement Elders/Retirement 6 Housing Immigration V equaljustice under law Gav 8 LESBIAN Hovocaras 8 DEFENDER; WWW.GLRD.0RG - LEGRL INFORMATION Homua: 617-426-.1350 on 1-eoo-455-GLflD(our51n: THE BOSTON mun) - TTY: 617-426-5153- «A. .~<.~.~t--~.-. -<'~s'- aaw. -. ~'.»t -t at ««'-."‘—s -.. .