Also, today is my parents’ anniversary!  They’ve been married for thirty-eight years, and together for forty.

I don’t want to preach, but if you are ever afraid because you are asexual.  If you have a relationship that isn’t based on romantic love.  Mom is asexual.  She also said no to my dad’s proposals three times because she wasn’t in love with him, and she was and still is repulsed by sex.

When Dad asked the fourth time, my mom broke down in tears.  Because she didn’t want to break his heart, because she still cared about him so damn much even if what she felt wasn’t romantic love.  Because the only reason she would have sex with him or anyone was because she wanted to have her own children.  And you know what?

Dad still wanted to be with her, from the time he was eighteen until they both were ready for the grave.  Because he didn’t want to ever be without his best friend in the whole damn world.  Mom meant that much to him.

I can count on one hand how many times my parents have ever kissed in front of me, and every time was on the cheek.  But their hugs are the most heartfelt you’ll ever see.  When they laugh together, you know there’s a deep love between them.  They truly are each other’s best friends.

So congrats, Mom and Dad!  For always being there for each other, for me and my brother, and for my husband and our friends.  You are both amazing, wonderful people, and I am so glad that you found one another.

things to include

• flapper dresses
• jazz music
• sex positivity
• women’s rights
• renewal of arts & culture
• increased immigration & cultural sharing
• sequins
• eyeliner

things to leave behind

• racism & nativism
• consumerist culture
• white guys writing “the great american novel”