Becky and Ginger: Participants in the WE DO Campaign who are requesting a marriage license on Wednesday, October 5, 2011.
Ginger and I have worked together since May 2005 at a non profit organization in Asheville. When I started employment there, I had just ended a long term relationship. Realizing I was struggling with the fall out of the break-up, co-workers, including Ginger, reached out to me, but I coped with my emotions by keeping my weeknights and weekends busy through work outs and volunteering. However spending as much time with my daughter as possible was my first priority.
Finally, I began stepping outside of my boundaries and attended one of Ginger’s poker games in the fall of 2007. We started hanging out more regularly soon after that; watching movies, going for hikes, training for our first triathlon.
After awhile Ginger realized she had more than just friendship feelings for me and shared her feelings. But I just wasn’t ready.
In 2009, I had a medical issue which required a brief stay at the hospital. It was Ginger who stayed with me, cooked for me, cared for me. I knew then that she loved me.
After years of friendship I begin to see her in a different way. I have a vivid recollection of the exact moment at a work function in the spring of 2010 when I realized my feelings for her had shifted. I subsequently shared my attraction with her. We decided to take our relationship to the next level.
We kept our relationship quiet for a while. I had a daughter to think about and we worked at the same place. (Truth be told, before embarking on this relationship, I read the personnel policy and there was no reference to interoffice dating.)
A frequent response from family, friends and co-workers was, “What took you so long!” Apparently, I was the only who wasn’t aware of the potential of this relationship.
I love Ginger. She is the most patient, selfless, kind, considerate woman I know. She watches Dancing with the Stars with me even though it wouldn’t be her first choice of entertainment. She supports me while I train for triathlons. She encourages me to continue to participate in local progressive Democratic election campaigns. She respects my vegetarianism and won’t cook meat for herself in our house. She has been by my side even while I tried to push her away.
I want to marry her.
She loves me. I watch science fiction movies with her even though they wouldn’t be my first choice of entertainment. I understand how introverted she can be and don’t press social activity on her. However, I understand how important her friendships are to her and support her continuing those relationships. I eagerly fill out her tax forms and offer financial advice. I support her passion for environmental causes. My independent nature balances well with her compassionate style.
She wants to marry me.
