Love and Marriage

Insomnia again last night. I keep waking up after a few hours of sleep and running through everything that has happened in the last few months. I try to shut it off, I've always used visualization to great effect with a racing mind. Lately though, my tried and true images have failed me and I find myself awake in the wee hours of the morning with nothing to do but get up and watch early morning television (adult swim is one of my favs). Despite the hype surrounding the royal wedding, I was barely interested in who designed Kate's dress and whether it was a slight that the Obama's were left out of the festivities. It is funny to me that I then found myself in front of my tv at 3am watching people in funny hats arriving at Westminster Abbey (a stunning piece of architecture for sure).

I love weddings. I always have, even before my own. The thing about weddings, once you're married, is that watching one always makes you think of your own. My own nuptuals could not have been more different than the ones exchanged today between William and Kate and yet I thought of what a universal human institution marriage is. It seems natural to many of us to want to spend our lives with someone who understands us, who shares our memories and our pain, who accepts us for who we are.

Then there are practicalities, things I appreciate having been in a long term relationship prior to saying "I do". Insurance benefits, tax benefits, a certain level of societal approval. Not having to introduce my spouse as "my boyfriend". I am an ardent supporter of all people being allowed this privilege no matter who it is they chose to love. Committed partnerships and familes, regardless of their form are always a betterment to society. We need to recognize this and support it for people in our communities.

Mostly tho, what I wanted to express in this post is how fortunate I feel to have found my own partner in this life. I am continuously amazed at the strength of his character and his love for me. I would not have made it through our loss without him. I am looking forward to a weekend away with him, we leave in the morning for some shopping and relaxation. Hopefully the cats don't destroy the house while we're gone!