Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Marriage Equality

"If you want to get married, go to one of the states that allows gay marriage."

This quote was referenced in a CNN news story today here : http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/26/politics/same-sex-marriage-court/index.html

Marriage. It isn't just about the title that it brings. The Mrs or the Mr. The ceremony and the presents. The piece of paper that says you are a married, committed couple. Sure those things are great. But the important part of marriage that is being denied to so many in this country is the rights and protections that come along with that piece of paper.

Imagine for me if you will, getting married and then getting a promotion in your job that will move you to another state. Great news! You got a promotion! Unfortunately, in the state you are moving to, your marriage is not legally recognized. So your spouse will no longer be receiving your benefits, we wont pay for their move, you will need a power of attorney on file with anyone you want them to be able to discuss finances or insurance with, oh and if they get in an accident and are in a coma, I'm sorry but you wont be able to see them. Terrible isnt it??

Or for you older married couples, imagine working your whole life knowing that if you pass away, your spouse will not receive your military retirement, or social security benefits, or any of the other things that you have set in place to take care of them when you are gone. Let's hope whoever you set up your will and life insurance with did it correctly, otherwise your spouse won't get anything from that either.

And worst of all, imagine not having any legal standing when it comes to medical issues. Imagine your spouse, or your child, gets injured in and auto accident and are dying. I'm sorry, but if you're in the wrong state, you cant see them, let alone make any decisions about their well being.

It isnt about the piece of paper or the title that comes with it.
It is about the safety and security that comes with the union. There are so many federal, state, and legal benefits that a spouse receives that a "partner" does not.
Let's take those benefits away from the married individuals who are arguing against marriage equality for just one year, and then let's see how they feel about equal rights.

Sure, I hope to one day have a beautiful ceremony in which I commit myself for life to the one I love, but more than anything on that day when I say "I Do," I hope to get the benefits that come along with a legally recognized marriage.

Monday, March 25, 2013

Death

Death is all around us. In the US alone there are almost 7,000 deaths every day and we dont notice.
It is a release from pain, whether mental or physical for the individual who dies, and, if we believe in an after life, it is the most beautiful time of their life.
But the death of someone close hurts.
It cuts like a knife.
It leaves you wondering what you missed out on with the person.
It leaves way too many thoughts of what could have been or what should have been.
When a person is elderly and has lived a full life and passes away, it still hurts severely for their loved ones. But they have a feeling of peace knowing that individual lived a full life with much love.
But when someone's life is cut short prematurely it seems so unfair. Whether from sickness, or accident, or suicide, or any other reason, it leaves those on earth with just one thought "This is so unfair!"
But is it truly unfair for the one who is gone?
The one who is gone is free from the pain they were suffering. Or would have suffered in the event of an accident.
They have a release from all that plagued their life.
It may not be what those of us on earth want, but we have to thank God that they now have found that release and peace in the afterlife.

This post is for all those whose lives have ended prematurely. But heavy on my heart tonight are Colin, Drew, Beth, Barbie, and Lynn.

Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I'm tired and I
I want to go to bed

Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
And then leave me alone
Don't try to wake me in the morning
'Cause I will be gone
Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I will feel so glad to go


Sing me to sleep
Sing me to sleep
I don't want to wake up
On my own anymore


Sing to me
Sing to me
I don't want to wake up
On my own anymore


Don't feel bad for me
I want you to know
Deep in the cell of my heart
I really want to go


There is another world
There is a better world
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be
Well, there must be