Lonely sunset
Lonely on the porch of my stamp, I wear Chanel No. 5 and wait, glass of ruby red Beaujolais in hand. Next to me is a plate of cold green grapes and thick slices of Fontina. A gentle sea breeze touches my cheek, carrying with it the scent of clean salt water. I sip. I wait. I watch. Azure fades to delicate gold, chased by a blushing pink horizon. A year ago I again pushed for a divorce. Now I enjoy a beautiful summer sunset. Alone, complete, at peace. — Wendy Maldonado D’Amico
Spontaneous Grooms
In July 2000, San Diego Pride held a massive commitment ceremony for several dozen same-sex couples. Single, I was there to witness all the love. “Please turn to your partner and repeat these vows,” the minister said. On a whim, I turned to the handsome stranger next to me. “Do you want to do this?” I have asked. He said yes. We held hands and repeated the vows. The last one was, “I promise to support you to your highest potential.” Then we kissed and Eli asked, “What’s your name now that we’re married?” It has now been 23 wonderful years in which we have fulfilled our promise. — Joseph Bennett
A marriage of discomfort
When we were young and insecure in 1978, I said to my husband during an argument, “You will only marry me because it suits me.” He looked at me—with patience, love, and a hint of a smile—and said, “Honey, you’re not very handy.” — Donna Rochester
“I’ll Take You There”
When my mom started chemotherapy, I vowed we’d watch every movie ever made. We tried for a while. Really tried. But she got so sick that she needed earlier nights. Days of sleep. Easier leisure activities. She traded film for YouTube videos of the Philippines – just a man with a camera, walking through her village, stroking mangoes in a market. We watched the crowds in Baguio and Cebu City. Listened to the hum of her house. Something in her knew she wouldn’t make it. But I sat with her full of hope and whispered, “I’ll take you there. I will.” – Ashley Jeffalone
