And so we begin -

I love California – the mist and fog hanging heavy over the coast, the rugged, rocky interior with pine and redwood, spruce and fir; and the rich fertile valleys. Today I traveled across this, my adopted state, with forty-four caravan riders on the first day of an eight-day journey to witness for marriage equality.

We are a motley crew- as diverse as the countryside. Among us are a kick boxer, lawyer, chiropractor, soldier, and teacher. We are gay and straight, retired and working, mothers, sisters, brothers and fathers. We are a postcard for the rich diversity of human experience. And we travel together to speak with a single voice in cities and towns from here to Washington, DC.

We gathered in Oakland at 6:00 am, with a warm send-off by friends, relatives and well-wishers. There was nervous excitement on the bus – folks giggling, hugging, claiming seats and stowing possessions. This bus will be our mobile home for long hours in the coming days and it made good sense to do a little nesting. Our first stop came in Sacramento on the steps of the state capital. Supporters from the Unitarian Universalist Legislative Ministry, PFLAG and others joined a curious press at our first rally.

For the first time I heard the stories of the “love warriors” that I’ve joined in this effort.
Their stories of discrimination, of being treated as second-class citizens took on a human face and I was reminded why this is such an important trip for me.

I’m riding today because diversity is one of the gifts of creation – a gift out of the Mystery that is Life and one that ads a richness and texture to all that is. I feel a disconnect in my society that can not celebrate that diversity, that gives to some and takes from others. If we affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, how can such inequity continue?

The light is fading and so am I….until tomorrow –

Comments

[Rick Marshall]

Thanks, Helen! Just a quick note to say "best wishes" and I'm already enjoying following your journey. I'll be thinking about you all the way.

-Rick

[Tony Poland]

Thank you for representing us all on your journey. Our thoughts will be with you and we'll watch on edge, until you return home safely.
Namaste,
Tony Poland and Don Napoli
Domestic Partners in LA, CA

[Delton Johnson]

I read your comments and just want to wish all of you the very best. I attended college on the G. I. Bill and met my great wife there. We have been married for 47 years. We believe in equality for everyone.
Delton and Margaret Johnson, Santa Paula, CA

[Jennifer & Theresa SookneMizell]

You are all brave and we love you. See you when you get home. Just a word of warning - the coffee in the Midwest is nothing like the Bay area.

Love Warriors - you are our heroes.

[Rev. Ned Wight]

Helen--I love being able to follow your progress through your evocative writing. What a cavalcade of feelings and thoughts must accompany you . . . in CA, in Laramie, in the nation's heartland. I wish all of you a continuing joyful journey. Thanks for being there for all of us. Ned Wight, Summit UU Fellowship, La Mesa, CA

[Dick Dannells]

Helen: I am enjoying all of your blog essays to date. I was in SF on Thursday and left your e-mail address at home. However, with Google I was able to find it and start reading about your epic journey to affirm "the inherent worth and dignity of every individual." It was the day after I read in the front of the B section the SF Chronicle article on the journey containing your picture. I look forward to reading the rest of the travels of the National Marriage Equality Express. Dick

[trish wilson]

Dear Helen, Just now at 6am on Oct. 11 I am reading your journal (I still can't use the word "blog" in my vocabulary until I know what it is!) What an incredible experience you are having! Thanks for representing all of us out there. I am proud to say I am your friend. love, trish

[Marilyn Peterson]

Dear Helen,
I applaud your courage in standing up and speaking out on behalf of those who fight daily for rights and respect. Your beautiful illustrations of this journey are inspiring and your activism gives me hope! It is with great pride I watch you "practice what your preach!" You Go.... for all of us!
Blessings~
Marilyn

[Beverly & Jacqueline - Caravan Riders]

We were blessed to have had you with us on this trip. Thank you for all that you have done for us. You will remain in our hearts always. Beverly & Jacqueline

[Ila K]

Hang in there our hearts are with you.

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