Love and Marriage

Twelve years together;
Two years legally recognized by the state of California.
Now, officially acknowledge across the United States.
As a kid I dreamed of being married with children.
(I also dreamed of being rich and famous.) Both are a work in progress.
Earlier in my life I struggled to accept that I was gay, it meant giving up on a committed relationship and raising a family.
Thankfully (and at the exact right time in my life) I found a man who would inspire me, challenge me, support me, and validate me; all while making me laugh.
I believe in God for the very reason that He lead me to my dreams––despite the fact that they look a little different than the “normal” I grew up believing in.
Love comes in many different packages, mine although not perfect, is still the best gift I’ve ever received.

#LoveWins

A rainbow sea of love and support;
I was reminded today that light and love win over fear and darkness.
As a teenager I struggled and ultimately condemned myself to live a lie.
Thankfully, over time and support from friends and family, I found the authentic me.
I had accepted that I could follow my dreams and love who I want; but would never be married.
Two years ago in California, I provide myself wrong––after 11 years of unconditional love, support, and creativity I was married to my best friend.
Today, everyone in this country, regardless of race, religion, or sexual orientation, can experience the joy and safety of equality.
Love is love and marriage is marriage.

Lucky In Love

After a week of working out of town and a twelve hour travel day, I crashed last night.

Waking up to the smell of Kona coconut Hawaiian coffee and bacon is just one of the many perks to married life.

I'm so blessed that I found my soulmate-

Whether creating projects, exploring a new city while on vacation or lounging at home watching Saturday morning cartoons, I am the luckiest man alive.

Because I found a partner who inspires me to thrive!

It's Official!

After 11 years of happiness, love, success and a lot of laughter...
It is official!!!
I didn't think I'd feel a "change" but I was wrong-
Nothing would have prepared me for how huge an impact yesterday was.
I'm so blessed to be surrounded by a loving, accepting group of friends and of course my family!
Here's to a lifetime of continued joy!

Tying The Knot

After 11 wonderful years,
A proposition of hate,
And a ruling for Equality-
Love will prevail today.
Jeff and I are tying the knot.
There's never been a person in my life that has influenced, inspired, challenged or loved me more!
I hope that I can be that for him too!
For the rest of our lives.

Divorce or Marriage...

Depending on where you search the internet, the divorce rate in this country can be anywhere from 43% to just over 50% of all marriages ending in divorce. Though it is almost impossible to find a straight answer or statistic on the matter... even the National Center for Health Statistics, despite all of their surveys, charts and graphs offer only a projected percentage.
Nevertheless, I think it's safe to say, that divorce is a very common solution to married life.
When I was growing up, I remember thinking how lucky I was that my parents were still together, as the majority of my friends' parents were divorced...
Then that day happened to me and my family... I was a junior in high school when my parents decided to separate. I never thought that day would happen, and though I know my parents tried very hard to work through their problems, the inevitable D-day still came. I hold no judgments on my parents. I love them both very much, and I believe that they are both very happy in their lives now.
That being said, I have four wonderful role models when it comes to marriage... My Grandma & Grandpa Shaffer have been married 52 years, and my Grandma & Grandpa Smith 51 years. Their love, dedication and hard work give me such hope!
That's why I'm so shocked that there are people in this country who fight so hard against allowing equal rights to everyone in regard to sharing a loving bond and commitment to one another until death do them part.
What exactly is "Traditional Marriage?"
How many people live without sin? I'm no authority on religion, but my general belief was that we are all sinners... So why then are some above the rest? Why is it okay to preach hate and fear? Didn't Jesus Christ preach love and forgiveness? Why with so many marriages ending in divorce, abuse, adultery... Should anyone stand as the authority on who can and cannot marry.
Yes. The Bible. Everyone always quotes the Bible.
Ironically, the same people who defend the term "Traditional Marriage" as one man and one woman- have a wonderful way of overlooking the Word of the Bible that no longer suits their needs:
i.e. you shall not commit adultery, love thy neighbor, let he who is without sin cast the first stone... The list goes on and on, and of course like almost everything in the Bible- either side can find a justification or exception.
So here is my thought, since we are ALL sinners and the "Traditional Marriage" divorce rate is at nearly 50%... Why not encourage the bond between two people. Encourage love, honor and monogamy for all people, and maybe future generations will be able to get the divorce rate down...