MSC Christmas at Sea...
This year, we chose to step away from the noise and commercialism that often surrounds Christmas in America and instead sail on the MSC Seascape out of Galveston, Texas. We traveled with two close companions of more than twenty years with whom we have shared three Christmas journeys, including our wedding in New York City in 2012, when marriage equality was still not recognized in Texas. Much has changed since then, often swiftly and without warning. I have learned to stay rooted, to resist being pulled into the constant churn of reaction, and to tend carefully to the small, faithful circle entrusted to me. One truth remains steady, when you are with those who love you fully and without condition, time loosens its grip. What remains is presence -love, peace, and a quiet joy that needs no announcement. This Christmas, we chose not to exchange gifts. The simplicity of that decision felt freeing. After twenty-three years together, Charles and I have learned that abundance is not fou...