My sister called me last Sunday to tell me she and her girlfriend of a few years were having a "ceremony" and she would love it if I would attend. I've posted before that my sister was gay but has never "came out of the closet" so to speak. She's lived her life openly gay, it's just not been discussed. I think that might seem odd to some but not to our family. My mother raised three very independent children. When we get together for family gatherings etc., we might discuss what we are currently doing but none of us ever ask the others "What do you think if I did this?" or even "Do you think I should or shouldn't do this?". Some how we received an over abundance of the gene that doesn't require us to seek validation for our choices in life. Thus we don't offer advice or our opinions either. I'm happy to say my children are carrying on the family tradition.

So when my sister called I could hear in her voice the stress of making this phone call. I'm sure she made many wondering if there would be fallouts and recriminations that can transpire when going against the grain of societies morals, values and ethics. The relief in her voice when I told her I wouldn't miss it was immense. I hate that the anxiety was there for her.

So when I fly off to Omaha in September (yea!) to attend this great celebration, I will tell my sister how much I love her and she's my sister (as we say in Iowa) through hell and high water. Once again, life is too short and we have no time for bullshit. I think this is becoming my motto. I can live with that.