Friday, October 31, 2008

Today I was called a Wife

I went into Summit's palatial and brand new Carol Ann Read Breast Health Center for a mammogram. The place feels like a spa and is probably the most warm and fuzzy place on Pill Hill. But the warm and fuzziness paled compared to one moment that took my breath away.

During check in they routinely go over your record to make sure all the information is still current. The woman said "And Terri is your Significant Other?" Unconsciously looking down at my left hand I said "Well, actually we're married now." She said "Ok, let me change that to Wife." Tap, tap, tap on the keyboard while I sat there semi-stunned soaking in the moment and trying to look casual. This has never happened to me before beyond getting married.

I am married. I have a wife. I am a wife. No judgment (not that Summit ever has - they're terrific about partnered relationships). No hand wringing. No hems and haws. Nothing. Just business as usual.

I realized in this moment this is something I really want to keep and am willing to go to the mat for. When I got back, I donated more to No on 8. http://www.eqca.org.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

This made me weepy. Thanks so much for sharing it.

Unknown said...

I'm happy we live in a world (and a state) where this is possible. Let's just hope it's still possible next Wednesday.

Jennie said...

*chuckle* I love that "trying to look casual" part.

Isn't it wonderful?

*heading off to donate, too*

Anonymous said...

I loved that story. I think you should put it in the Chronicle for all to read and know what it is to be equal!
J

Anonymous said...

Ellen, I got tears in my eyes when I read this. The things most of us take for granted ...

I nearly wrecked my car in Turlock last weekend. There was a group on the far corner with No on 8 banners. They were smiling and waving to everyone, even the ones who gave a thumbs down. I decided to give a thumbs up but they didn't see me so while turning, honking and waving I nearly drove up on the curb. Luckily I recovered control before any damage was done.

Arlene

Jen said...

Jen and I were married today. Your blog made my heart swell and I couldn't catch my breath for a moment. Thank you so much for sharing. I totally get the trying to look casual part!

Jen

Ellen said...

Many congratulations on your marriage and let's hear it for these occurrences to become merely ordinary. :)

Jen said...

Yes, exactly.

Elf said...

This is cool. There's hope--

Anonymous said...

That's AWESOME!!!

Wow, sometimes the world *does* change in good ways. Now let's hope we can keep it changed.