As we quietly reflect on the absence of Hillary Clinton from the political arena, we find ourselves honoring her resilience, leadership, and the paths she forged for many. Yet, amid this reflection, we grapple with the aftermath of dreams thwarted by a vocal insurrectionist right. How do we navigate this new reality, where the walls feel higher and the ceiling lower?
My partner and I have been fortunate to experience the rights afforded to us as tax-paying citizens united by marriage. The Obergefell decision granted us the same legal protections as any other couple—not extra benefits, but equality. This allowed us to make critical medical decisions for each other and to secure insurance coverage, affirming the legitimacy of our bond.
We began our journey as parents through adoption, a dream we have cherished for as long as we can remember. I was present in the delivery room when our son, Noah, was born. I shared a moment of tenderness with his birth mother, who entrusted us with her son, making a loving decision for his future.
Every month, we place Noah in the same rocking chair that my partner once occupied as a baby and capture a photo of him. We celebrate each passing month, cherishing our time together as a family.
On August 4, we finalized Noah’s adoption, surrounded by loved ones who filled the courtroom, setting a record for attendance at such hearings. To commemorate this milestone, we crafted small, hand-sewn felt creatures for each guest, complete with monster birth certificates to celebrate our family’s journey.
Under the Obama administration, our family transformed from a mere possibility into a reality. For the first time, we had a sitting president openly supporting our marriage and family. The world had already changed, and we were no longer on the margins; we were an integral part of a broader narrative that encapsulates what makes America great.
The day before Noah’s first birthday, we loaded into our Subaru and made our way to the polls. Holding Noah in my arms, I cast my vote for Hillary Clinton, who had consistently shown her support for families like ours. I voted for progress and against divisive politics.
However, the dreams we hold dear also come with the risk of profound disappointment. The candidate who embodied the hopes of the marginalized did not emerge victorious. It’s been said that facts outweigh opinions, and in this case, Donald Trump’s campaign clearly disrespected the dignity of many.
When I went to bed that election night, I felt the weight of loss. The reality that Hillary would not be our president was a heavy burden to carry, and processing that grief will take time. As Hillary reminded us, her campaign was not solely about one individual. We lost more than an election; we faced the reality of friends who claimed to support our family yet chose to vote for Trump. The contradiction is stark.
On Noah’s special day, my partner and I endeavored to create an atmosphere of joy and celebration. Hillary’s legacy of service inspired me to be the best father I could be, and I hid my tears from Noah on his birthday, choosing to focus on his happiness.
Walking to work the following morning, I passed an elementary school and saw children of color holding hands with their parents. It struck me deeply that the divisions we have created can only grow more pronounced in the years to come. My heart ached for what might have been if we had focused on the right issues during the campaign.
In times of sorrow, I remind myself that love and family are ever-present. I have a husband and a son, and we fought hard for our family. My friends of all backgrounds have worked tirelessly for their voices to be heard, and as a white man, I must amplify their concerns. I am part of the collective “Us.” We are the majority who reject bigotry and hatred, and we must continue to advocate for the values that unite us.
As we navigate the challenges ahead, we must commit to being supportive and understanding of one another. We are a family, and we owe it to ourselves to uplift those in need during difficult times.
In this chapter of our family’s narrative, we find purpose in helping others face the challenges ahead. Hillary fought for this future, and our son deserves nothing less.
For more insights on home insemination options, check out this comprehensive guide on artificial insemination kits. Additionally, if you’re facing challenges with insurance coverage, you might find hope in this story about overcoming obstacles to achieve family dreams through home insemination. For further information, the CDC offers valuable resources on pregnancy and home insemination.
In summary, love and family remain resilient in the face of adversity. We must come together to support each other, fostering unity amid challenges, and ensuring our collective future is bright.