United We Stand

When you live with someone for 30+ years, it's easy to take them for granted. 

Then something happens, and you remember why you married them all those years ago.

We were watching television the other night, and a show came on about abortion in Ireland. Right-to-lifers were standing outside an abortion clinic being terrible human beings. Mr. Ginley started yelling at the TV set. We've been fortunate that we've never been faced with the prospect of abortion. But that doesn't mean we believe we can tell other women what to do with their bodies. 

But it gets more personal than that.

Years ago Mr. was doing genealogical research, and found his great aunt's death certificate. She died of septic shock after getting an illegal abortion. The family always purported the cause of death was the flu, so we have no idea what the circumstances were. She was single and working in service at the time. She was in her early 20s when she died. I think the specter of her death has had an impact of Mr. Ginley's perspective, particularly as he imagines what the future will be like for our granddaughters.

Thinking back, I imagine some of the guys I was attracted to growing up. And, based on their belief system, how I would have had to smother them in their sleep. Or divorce them. Either way.

I remind myself of this when Mr. and I don't see eye to eye on stupid little stuff. I'll grind my teeth and roll my eyes. But on the fundamentals, we're on the same page. 

When it comes to gay rights, Black Lives Matter, gun control and other causes, Mr. Ginley and I also track. We've marched together and voted together and signed petitions. 

So yes, I get annoyed when Mr. gets anal about this or that. But when it comes to what matters most, we're in the same camp.

And that makes me a happy camper.