On the steps

I arrived at the National Day of Action and saw a throng of enthusiastic people gathering on the Town Hall steps.
As I approached I could feel disappointment and anger when I thought here we are in 2009 and we still don’t have full equality.   The previous night’s discussion, along with my son’s disclosure that morning, was eerily appropriate given where I was headed.
The morning started out with my kids, who had stayed overnight with their mum.  We’d pigged out on pizza the night before and then my ex and I discussed pursuing our divorce.
I told her I was coming to the Town Hall the next morning to get involved and she smiled and said it was good to get into it. She was supportive.
My eldest son sat on the floor with his foot extended while I did up his laces.  He said, so matter-of-fact, Dad, I’ve got a girlfriend, her name is Erin.
I smiled and said, That’s great, little mate. Is she cute?  He continued, I haven’t seen her for two days, but I don’t miss her. I looked at all the boys and girls at school and couldn’t find her.
Suddenly he was 17. I rubbed his blond furry head.  Then, standing up, he added, But I’m going to marry you Daddy, oh, and Mummy too, and hugged my leg.
I told him he could marry anyone he wishes, hopeful for his generation.
Clover inspired me as she talked about equality. I had goosebumps from hearing her talk. The young actor Matt was so passionate about marriage -” my friend and I giggled a little with his shrieking, but we understood him.
We are challenged as humans every day to be the best we can be.  Whether it is our friends or foes who challenge us, that we rise and support each other is what counts.
Equality is sadly a long way off, whether internationally or at local government level. We have to start with small steps, sometimes in our own backyard. The fact my parents didn’t ask how my date with a man went, yet my soon-to-be ex-wife did, speaks much louder than the screaming actor on the side of my favourite town’s hall steps.