Yesterday was a good day

I'm walking across Union Square, a bag of marked down shoes in one hand, my cell phone in the other, and I come across a beautiful scene of men and women of all ages, shapes, colors, and sizes dancing a tango to the rythmns and beats of a live band.  I'm smiling at the San Francisco-ness of it all and my cell phone jiggles.  I look down and it's a note from my father, "Let's have an Obama toast on Sunday to celebrate!  It is fitting to combine Mother's day, mom'/ Ann's birthday, with this wonderful moment for America."  Quite suddenly my smile turns to tears.  I am deeply moved.  I am deeply grateful.  16 years ago, Peter and I held a commitment ceremony where my father gave a heartfelt toast about the "real family values" present at this celebration of his son's love for another man.  My father was 16 years ahead of the President.  My 48 year old self tears up thinking about that event, yesterday's email message, and the good fortune I have to have such a father.  My 14 year old self -- he's still in there -- cannot believe what happened yesterday.  That boy could not imagine a day when the President of the United States -- at great political risk -- would stand up for the rights of gay & lesbian people in such an absolute way. That boy could not imagine the overwhelming joy of a moment like yesterday.