II
I'm gonna make a change As I turn up the collar on A summer's disregard I'm starting with the man in the mirror I've been a victim of A willow deeply scarred I'm starting with the man in the mirror
For once in my life
It's gonna feel real good
Gonna make a difference
Gonna make it right
My favorite winter coat
This wind is blowing my mind
I see the kids in the street
With not enough to eat
Who am I to be blind
Pretending not to see their needs?
A broken bottle top
And a one man's soul
They follow each other on the wind you know
'Cause they got nowhere to go
That's why I want you to know
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
A selfish kind of love
It's time that I realize
That there are some with no home
Not a nickel to loan
Could it be really me
Pretending that they're not alone?
Somebody's broken heart
And a washed-out dream
(Washed-out dream)
They follow the pattern of the wind
You see
'Cause they got no place to be
That's why I'm starting with me
I'm asking him to change his ways
And no message could have been any clearer
If you wanna make the world a better place
Take a look at yourself and then make a change
Man In The Mirror, Michael Jackson
Two Weeks Later
David (DC) Warner came into his sister's room, where currently Mama Blair was dressing Gloria for the day. "Mama Blair, I can't find my tennis shoes", he complained as he was getting ready for his final week in the First Grade.
"Honey, where did you last have them on", Blair said as she finished dressing Gloria in a jumpsuit perfect for a warm spring day.
"I dunno", he said sheepishly, which made Blair chuckle.
"Did you look under your bed?"
The young boy rolled his eyes. "Of course I did, Mama", he said petulantly.
"If they're not there, I bet they're in the living room."
"Okay, I'll look again."
He ambled off as Blair looked sweetly at her daughter. "Your brother can be such a goof", she said to the petite brunette.
"Goob", Gloria tried to say. She would be three in two months, Blair wondering where the time had gone. It seemed to her just yesterday that she saw Gloria pulled out of Jo's stomach during that C-Section.
"You tell him, girl", Blair said, kissing her on top of the head.
From the living room, Blair heard a triumphant cry. "I found them!"
"I told you", Blair hollered back with a smile on her face.
It was almost 8:30 am, Jo having left for Albany about 7 am for a meeting with their supporters in the State Legislature. Jo had come into her own as a speaker and a leader in the two years since she officially joined the Warner-Polniaczek Foundation. She not only had become an effective speaker, she spoke with a passion that Blair might have felt, but never could quite enunciate. Jo could be a lightning rod for their opponents, but Blair and the rest of those leading the Foundation had no problem with that.
In a few months, there would be a march on the Nation's Capitol to demand more attention to the cause of same-sex marriage. Jo and Blair would be there. Blair would speak, as she now led one of the major organizations pushing for equal rights, but Jo would be the one who fired everyone up. She, too, had gained a reputation as the conscience of the movement.
Blair was able to get David outside just before his school bus arrived, she and Gloria seeing the boy off to school. As the bus drove away, Blair sighed.
"I can't believe he's finishing the First Grade", she said in wonder. Blair had missed DC's first Birthday as she had been in a coma after her accident, but had made sure not to miss anything in her children's lives since that time.
Yet the signs of that life-changing day were still with Blair Warner. Excedrin Migraine rapid-release tablets helped her deal with the migraines, and she had prescription glasses now, complete with a UV prescription that would darken the lenses when she was outdoors, as the light could sometime give her or exacerbate her headaches.
Her left leg, which had been cobbled back together after taking the brunt of the collision with the other car in the accident, was still constantly sore-not in the way it used to be, but there was always a dull pain within the reconstructed bones and muscles. To take the edge off of that pain, she needed Tylenol Extra Strength. She would walk the rest of her life with a slight limp, but that hardly slowed her down.
Every six months, she had MRI's and CT Scans done of her head, to see if there were any major problems. None had appeared, but as she got older, there was that possibility. Even with that, Blair Warner had to admit that with Jo as her partner, and with two fantastic kids, she was blessed beyond belief.
"I understand that we have to take the long view on this", Jo said earnestly to a member of the New York State Assembly who supported legislation on same-sex marriage, "but at the pace we're going, it'll take another ten years. We have to be more aggressive in who we back for seats currently held by our opponents, Rick."
Rick Stetson didn't argue. "I agree, Jo, but we can't go in, guns blazing in many of those districts because they're so conservative. Our message still doesn't resonate in rural areas."
Jo sighed. She got along with most of the legislators who were supportive of the cause, and even a few who weren't, although some were pompous asses. Rick Stetson wasn't one of the pompous ones. He was a straight male, married with three kids of his own, but had always been progressive on marriage.
"I just feel we're up against a brick wall. New York is as liberal a state as there is in The Union, and if we can't pass it here..."
"What kind of chance do we have in front of the U.S Congress?"
That was Kara Tromba from upstate New York, another good egg. Jo nodded in agreement. "Exactly, Kara. With Obama in office now, we should be able to swing the next few elections to get more allies. Are we going to plan any more votes in the legislature?"
"No", Kara responded evenly. "Not until the fall I would suspect. We have Governor Paterson onboard, but until we flip some seats, especially in the Senate, we're pretty much at an impasse."
"It just pisses me off that there's a Democratic majority in both Houses, but so many in the Senate voted against the legislation", Jo said, her impatience showing again.
"And it's almost a sure thing that Andrew Cuomo will succeed Paterson as governor in 2011", Diane Ramsey, the Foundation's Chief Legal Council advised them. "There's a good chance he'll have long coattails down-ticket."
That was the general feeling in the room, and within the LGBTQ movement. The Q, for Queer, had recently been added to the long-standing acronym recently, and plans to make use of that word in upcoming events were already in the works.
"So basically, our hands are pretty much tied until after the '10 election", Jo summed it up.
"Looks that way", Rick said, no happier. "But it doesn't mean we can't push another vote when we want, just to keep us in the headlines, and work on other forms of getting the word out."
Jo thought for a moment. "Maybe it's time come 2010 that we take to the streets and go to the people directly with our message?"
That got a smile from everyone.
Like Jo Polniaczek and Blair Warner, Boots St. Clair and Georgia Compton had decided that if marriage equality was every passed, then they'd be together for life. They were different in so many ways from their two friends, but the strong bond they shared, and their devotion to each other was as strong as that which Jo and Blair shared.
They had a successful photography business, and had made good money from it-not that they needed it, but that wasn't the point of running it. Yet despite how good the business had been to them, they were growing restless in wanting to do something else with their love of photography.
One night over dinner, they two partners discussed where they were at.
"Part of me could do family pictures and graduation pictures forever, Boots", Georgia said honestly, "but part of me...I see what Jo and Blair are doing, and they're trying to foster real change in New York and the nation. I don't want to compare us to them, but...we should be doing something...bigger."
"You have any ideas, babe?" Boots refilled Georgia's glass of wine that went with their pasta dinner.
"Yeah", Georgia smiled at her lover, happy for the opening. "You've read those stories that Natalie Green...uh, Natalie Tompkins did some years back about the homeless, especially lesbian and gays?"
"After the fact I read it", Boots admitted. "Natalie even talked to Jo and Blair about Jo's experience on the lam." Boots gave an involuntary shiver. "Jo's damn lucky to be alive after what she went through."
"She is", Georgia agreed, "and she was twenty-one when she left, not some fifteen year old kid who was just figuring out who they were when their families gave them the boot out the door. Imagine being fifteen, having those feelings that all teenagers discover they have, and because you're a guy and like guys, or a girl and like girls, your family kicks you out? How do any of those kids survive?"
"It's frightening and so heartbreaking", Boots said, meaning it. "You're right, Jo was older, and even she almost died of the drugs. Being younger than that...I can't even imagine."
They were both quiet for a moment, then Boots eyes lit up. "Hey babe, it's too late in the evening tonight, and I have plans involving you", she said seductively, making Georgia smile, "but I wonder if you would mind if I make a call to the aforementioned Natalie around mid-day tomorrow?"
"What's cooking in the quirky brain of yours, baby?"
Boots blushed. "I wonder if Natalie and her Editor could be convinced to do a follow up story, with us providing photos for it?"
Georgia lit up like a Christmas tree. "That sounds intriguing, Boots. Why don't we talk about it for a few more days, work it out a little more, then call her?"
"And what do I get for delaying my idea to Mrs. Tompkins?" She arched her eyes.
"A very personal thank you from me later this evening?" Her eyes were practically undressing Boots at the moment.
Boots gave a theatrical sigh that would have made Tootie proud. "Well, if that's the price I must pay for this delay, I guess I have no choice."
Georgia burst out laughing. "God I love your sense of humor. You'll be moaning, not sighing later on, lover girl."
December 2, 2009
Jo and Blair had left their children with Grandma and Grandpa Polniaczek for this trip to Albany. There was a sense of excitement in the air, as those pushing for the recognition of same-sex marriage thought they had a legitimate chance to pass the legislation in the Senate. It had cleared the State Assembly months before, but the hope this time was that there was a real chance.
To everyone's stunned astonishment, despite all the work and the change in attitude that was occurring, the bill was defeated 38-24, with not a single Republican voting for the measure, and eight Democrats voting against it. Blair, Jo, and their allies from other groups sat in stunned silence as the vote proceeded and it became apparent that they would be denied again.
When the vote concluded, Jo stood up and stormed out of the chamber, much to Blair's chagrin.
"Joey, honey come..."
Diane Ramsey was with them, and she stilled Blair from following her partner. "Give her a few minutes alone to collect herself, Blair", the former Supreme Court Justice advised. "We're all hurting, but Jo needs a moment to process it."
"I thought for sure we had a better chance this time, Diane", Blair said quietly, the disappointment on her face evident. "I feel like we're back at square one."
"Remember what Jo told you about our meeting in the spring? We're getting there, and you have been one of those who has helped everyone focus on the long-term. Keep that in mind."
"I know, Diane", Blair acknowledged. "But this one really hurts."
"Hence Jo's reaction", Diane said, turning to look at the door where Jo had bolted.
About fifteen minutes later, Blair found Jo sitting under a tree in West Capitol Park, just across State Street and the Legislative Office Building. Her head was bowed, her forearms sitting on her knees, obviously deep in thought. Blair looked at her lover, realizing again how lucky she was to have found such a passionate, caring partner to share her life with. She thought of what her parents had wanted for her years ago-a boorish, snobbish, boring man who had his millions but offered nothing of any substance to life. Life with Jo Polniaczek was never dull, and for that she thanked God.
"Mind if I sit next to you, Jo Polniaczek?" Blair's voice was conversational, as if meeting Jo for the first time.
Jo looked up, having not heard or seen Blair approach. "Hey Princess. You can join my pity party, I guess", she replied with very little spirit in her voice. The tree was thick so there was plenty of room for Blair to sit beside her partner.
Blair glanced around the park. It was a rather mild December day, with no rain or snow, the ground plenty dry to sit on. Still it was pleasant for a late Fall day, "You know, I wish I had in me the passion and the fire that you possess, Jo", she said without looking at the woman. "You always go in guns blazing, not caring what others think."
Jo actually chuckled. "Rick Stetson said that about me in the Spring. Said I always went in guns blazing." She glanced at Blair. "Maybe it's a good thing I don't own a gun."
Blair glanced at Jo now and smiled. "Probably a very good thing." Blair moved closer so she was touching Jo, Jo leaning in to put her head on Blair's shoulder.
"It's just so fuckin' frustratin', Princess", Jo said, letting her emotions out in front of the only person she trust enough to do so with. "We're not asking to rule the world, just to find a slice of happiness in our little corner of it." She began to sob. "I just feel sometimes this is never gonna happen, ya know?"
Blair wrapped Jo up in a hug, a smile on her face despite Jo's overt sadness. "What did I tell you a couple years back, Joey? Hmm? To trust me? You said you did, implicitly."
Jo reined in her tears for a few moments. "I've always trusted you Blair, and I know what I said, and I meant it. But some things are beyond trust, especially when others have their own agendas and ways of lookin' at things."
"I understand that, Jo", Blair said, kissing the top of her head. "But this is gonna happen. Yes, I'll even admit, me, Ms. 'look at the big picture', that I was shocked how the vote went today, but the good news is that, right now, the election in '10 is looking good for us and our prospects. Thanks to you, we've planned to push this legislation all through 2010, and along with other groups, we're going to be protesting all over the state. This was a setback, but we will get there."
Jo gave her sheepish smile to Blair, the one that always melted Blair's heart. "Sorry for being Debbie Downer, blondie, but I get so damn frustrated with this process."
"And you think I don't? Why do you think we have such a great sex life-it's because I have to take my frustrations out in a positive way somehow, my barbarian."
Jo laughed loudly at that remark. Blair had learned the art of well-timed humor, and took credit for that, having rubbed off on the blonde. "And why do you think I'm so gung-ho when we're making love, Princess? The same reason."
Again, they both laughed, Blair wiping the tears from Jo's cheeks. "I want this as bad as you, Joey, always remember that. But no matter how it turns out, I love you with all that I am, and I always will. No bill, or legislation or law can stand in the way of that." She leaned in and softly kissed Jo's lips.
"I've loved you since the first day I laid eyes on you, Blair", Jo said softly. "I will always love you." The kiss deepened, neither caring who saw them.
After a short while, Blair gave an involuntary shiver, as it was still chilly despite how pleasant the weather was. "What do you say you and I blow this State Capitol, and head to mom and dad's and pick up our children."
Jo smiled. "Our children", she repeated, becoming emotional again. "Just saying that makes me so damn happy, blondie." She kissed Blair deeply again. "I think that's a great idea. Let's head home, babe."
Arriving at Rose and Charlie's house in Jericho in mid-afternoon, they were greeted by DC, who always loved to get a hug and kiss from his two Mama's. Gloria ran up behind him, Blair picking her up first.
"Hey, cute girl, you been good for Grandma and Grandpa?" She planted a kiss on Gloria's cheek.
"Uh-huh", the three-year old said. "Had a good lunch with Gramma and Grandpa." Gloria kissed her Mama Blair on the cheek in return.
Rose approached her daughters. "I'm so sorry the vote went so bad today, girls", she said sincerely, kissing Jo first then Blair. "I thought it just might pass this time."
"That makes more than a few of us, Ma", Jo said, sitting down next to DC on the couch. "This one stung, but after I had a good cry, Blair set me straight...uh, so to speak." The adults laughed loudly at her play on words.
"I just told her that while this is important to us, no matter what happens in the long run, she's stuck with me forever."
Charlie snickered. "If you put it that way, Blair..."
Blair cut him off with a laugh. "Don't go there, dad", she warned with a twinkle in her eye. "I could have mom turn that around on you, you know?"
"And you know I'd side with the girls, Charlie Polniaczek", Rose said with a giggle.
Charlie beckoned David over to him. "You see what we have to put up with, bud? We need more guys in this family to even things out."
"Us men have to stick together, Grandpa Polniaczek", David said importantly, the three women holding in a laugh.
"Well, since the baby factories are closed for good, you're just gonna have to deal with it, Pa. It's four to two, and I like those numbers."
Charlie looked at David again, rolling his eyes. "Women."
David rolled his eyes too, this time the women unable to contain their laughter.