Making Memories

Yesterday, the Maryland State Senate voted on the marriage equality legislation that our family has been working hard to support. And so, Noah and I headed to Annapolis around 5 pm last night so that we could watch democracy in action together.

I always forget that the garage that is closest to the legislative buildings is cash only. So we arrived in Annapolis, and I had to find every quarter I had scattered throughout our diaper bag to come up with $4.50 so we would have 3 hours in the event the voting took a long time.

As soon as we walked out of the garage it started to lightly rain. I had a hood for Noah so I pulled it up. Then I realized that although I'm familiar with the Lawyers Mall, the House building and the Senate building, I had no idea where the Senate meets to vote. Luckily two men in fancy suits were on the sidewalk waiting to cross the street.

I asked the men how to get to the public gallery where we could view the Senate voting. It so happened they were heading there. That's when one of the men handed me his big umbrella. They asked what we were heading to watch, and I explained the marriage vote. They didn't ask me which side we were there for, but I think they assumed I was against it. One of them explained he's an energy lobbyist, and I didn't have the heart to tell him that I probably write to my representatives in opposition of what he works 90 days each session lobbying in Annapolis for. They were polite and walked us all the way to the building and then we parted ways when the folks from Equality Maryland saw them ushering us in a downstairs door and one of them shouted, "Are you here with Equality Maryland?" And that's when they scurried away, and Noah and I headed upstairs to meet some like-minded folks.

Noah and I found a seat in the gallery, and as soon as we sat down, Noah took his sweaters and shoes off and made himself comfortable. We listened to a few senators debate the law dictionary definition of marriage. Noah and I learned that the most updated version does not list a married couple as a man and a woman. He got bored after a while so we I took him out to the hallway and he ran up and down the halls, ate some mini muffins and crackers and sang loudly because there was an amazing echo in the building. After about an hour, I decided we should probably just call it a day. That's when we headed back to the gallery to see how much longer until the vote, and that's when the votes all went up and the President asked if everyone had submitted their vote. And then he announced that the civil marriage legislation passed 25 - 21.

Noah and me in Annapolis waiting for the Senate vote

Now it's on to the house, where it will hopefully see a great amount of support, and then on to the Governor's desk. If all goes well, Maryland will be the 6th state to pass marriage equality according to NPR today.

I feel so grateful that Ash and I have decided it's important for me to be home with Noah during these developmental years. The opportunities I have to take him places and teach him about democracy, our surroundings and so many other things are truly invaluable. Without me being home on a daily basis, I don't think we'd be able to do so many amazing things, and while I realize other people could teach him a lot, I can't imagine anyone being able to give him the opportunities I've been able to give him by being home. I am very grateful for all the memories we get to make every day. And I am very grateful that Noah has seen how government works and won't have to just read about it.

I'm glad we're making a difference in the world together with the time we have. I hope some day Noah feels proud of our work too.