“No union is more profound than marriage, for it embodies the highest ideals of love, fidelity, devotion, sacrifice, and family. In forming a marital union, two people become something greater than once they were. As some of the petitioners in these cases demonstrate, marriage embodies a love that may endure even past death. It would misunderstand these men and women to say they disrespect the idea of marriage. Their plea is that they do respect it, respect it so deeply that they seek to find its fulfillment for themselves. Their hope is not to be condemned to live in loneliness, excluded from one of civilization’s oldest institutions. They ask for equal dignity in the eyes of the law. The Constitution grants them that right.

The judgement of the Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit is reversed.

It is so ordered.”

– Justice Anthony Kennedy

So last month the people of Ireland voted for marriage equality  – the right for everyone to marry under the law, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. I followed the story with interest. I was excited to see how this vote would shake out. Honestly, I was super skeptical that it would pass. But  I was also hopeful that it would. If it passed, it would be such an incredible example to the world.

As we all know by now, the people voted yes.  It was an amazing moment, not just for the Irish, but also for everyone around the world who strongly believe in civil rights for all. I was very happy for them. I was also a bit envious because I knew that this is something I would NEVER see in my lifetime here in the U.S.A.

And then BOOM. I woke up yesterday to this news. And just like this we have Marriage Equality in all 50 states. Just like that. thanks to the Supreme Court.

Whoa. I am completely shocked. I am completely, happily shocked.

I guess the lesson here is never say never.