Through the peaks and twisty canyons
Two days ago I turned 24. Which means I just completed my 24th year of existence. 24 is my lucky number, so this birthday meant a lot to me. Corny, perhaps, but I think I was just eager to assign some meaning to this one. Numbers 22 and 23 were pretty shitty as birthdays go – I spent them in various states of depressed and lonely – especially after the elation of my 21st. But this one redeemed those two. I spent it with a small group of friends who reminded me how lucky and loved I am, even when I drink too much beer and get a little goofy. And the following day I got more reminders of how lucky I am in the form of love from the four-legged friends I get paid to spend time with, who kissed my hangover away.
I like to review my life in lists now and again. So, a list about my 24th year. In the past year, I:
Moved three times, until finally settling in my current place. It feels peaceful, and it feels like home. Finally.
Made more friends than I lost, especially if you count the four-legged ones.
Helped a few homeless dogs find loving homes.
Spent my first Christmas away from my family.
Laid my grandmother to rest.
Spent three months bathing dogs.
Changed jobs, saving my emotional health.
Was single for the whole year.
And, most importantly perhaps, witnessed the election of Barack Hussein Obama.
I wish I could put into words how I felt watching Obama and his family ascending the stage with his family. My heart swelled, my eyes leaked, and I felt like I was a part of something big. I wasn’t alone in that feeling, as was evident from the joy in the streets we saw as we drove through Berkeley and Oakland after his victory. It’s not something I’m going to forget, and I’m looking forward to telling my kids about it.
I can’t say anything about the election that hasn’t yet been said. It’s just amazing.
And then there’s the bitter disappointment mixed into the elation, at California’s passing of Proposition 8. But I know our fight isn’t over. Half a century ago, Obama’s family in the white house would have been dismissed as a ridiculous thought. But there they are. So I know victory will come for us queers too. Which is not to say we should sit around and wait, but that if we keep fighting, our change will happen.
So thanks to my friends and to everybody who voted for the best week ever, and for a pretty good year.
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