Happy Merry Christmas Anniversary New Year’s Days Everyone!
We had not intended to make another “combined” post; we really thought we’d have time to send out the Christmas Cards we bought below. But like most things, notably cards, that occurred in 2013…while you were entitled to get one, it is not being sent 🙂 We did get as far as printing the return address labels, and even buying Christmas stamps…but we needed the time off, and wow, did we have NO idea how much we did until we “stopped” …for the first time …in 4 years…we finally could, when it sunk in that Sam’s belonging’s arrived after being held for 3 years.
Amongst the many factors of our “story” people may not be aware of:Â it was on Christmas Day 2009 that Sam came to visit, for the 3rd time, in just 6 months. After a brief stop at Gary’s aunt’s house, literally on the drive from home from JFK, it was that night that we decided to officially be “dating”. We would somehow, someway, hope to find a way to be able to be together for more than just visits. Third Times IS the Charm, was proven that Christmas Day night in 2009. So we enjoyed our fourth anniversary this year (we have many Anniversary’s…when we first met, when we decided to date, when we got married, Sam’s green-card, etc. etc.)
Fast forward to New Year’s Eve 2012…
A year ago tonight, we were counting days. Ten days left to make a major decision…”does Sam break the law and over-stay his visa?” or “will USCIS realize, because we appealed per the DOJ’s instructions, that they broke the law and Sam would (should have been) allowed stay here legally?” A LOT happened in the days and moths that followed. It’s actually hard to believe, that it was just a year ago.
So much lost, so much accomplished. So many truths learned, so many betrayals. So many new acquaintances, and so many old ones to forget.
We just celebrated 2014’s arrival, watching the fireworks show live on TV, taking place at our favorite location in London! (don’t ask us how we did, but a few clicks of the mouse here and there, and there are ways to watch live TV from England 🙂
We want to thank everyone for their support in 2013. We are glad it is is over for us and so many! We know 2014 will still provide it’s share of challenges, changes, unknowns, and patience with aspects of our case; people, and situations that still need to be addressed. But one thing that is guaranteed….no more anxious, unknown goodbyes at airports and waiting at JFK if Sam will be allowed to visit…because now…he lives here, in OUR home.
Happy New Year everyone! We hope your year is as good and rewarding to you, as 2013, was to US.
Nothing could be more appropriate, right down to the meaning of the words, than this English tradition to END our post and OUR YEAR on! (and since England recognized our CT marriage license a full year and half before the Unites States did, we celebrated 2014 “there” first. And, well… honestly, it’s not just that, but more so- we won’t make it to stay awake for New York’s!)
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Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should old acquaintance be forgot,
and old lang syne ?
- For auld lang syne, my dear,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll take a cup of kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
And surely you’ll buy your pint cup !
and surely I’ll buy mine !
And we’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.
We two have run about the slopes,
and picked the daisies fine ;
But we’ve wandered many a weary foot,
since auld lang syne.
We two have paddled in the stream,
from morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us broad have roared
since auld lang syne.
And there’s a hand my trusty friend !
And give me a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll take a right good-will draught,
for auld lang syne.
Please do not forget, that all we wanted was the right to just live together. We could not because Sam is British, and Gary could not sponsor him to live here. Just because we are couple; together; legal spouses in CT and UK, however still, we were not allowed to! (Gary could sponsor people not even related to him). Recognition: that changed for US, however in 2014, remember, there are Americans who still can not live with equality, solely based on who they are in their commitment to another.
Love you both so very much! Glad we’re all old farts that like to stay in on NYE. HAPPY MERRY EVERYTHING!!!!
So happy for you guys. We have been together for 22 years but still cannot legally marry in our home state of Ohio. Let’s hope 2014 brings equality to ALL of the United States… Happy New Year!! Jim and Dave
What an incredible journey! Happy New Year! Be well! Take care!