Thank you

Dear Friends, Family and Potential Strangers,

I sat down to write a letter a few weeks ago asking you to approve Referendum 74. It passed. Thank you. Thank you a million times.

I am kind of in shock. I don't know how to handle my emotion so I keep telling jokes about exercising so I can look good in my wedding dress - and I won't even wear a wedding dress. I danced on the streets on Tuesday and I've participated in the banter and celebration on facebook and other social media sites. But something unexpected has happened inside of me. Something that I have a hard time explaining.

I want to hug everyone. And thank them. And cry. And scream. And smile. I feel like I am going to explode.

I have always been an independent person. I am determined and driven and don't usually rely on other people to make things happen for myself. But in this case, in my ability to have the possibility of getting married and live the life I have always wanted to live, I have had to rely on other people - on people I don't know. It has been a completely humbling experience and I'm overcome with emotion.

In the last couple days I have had flashbacks to my second grade class - to the day Mrs. Bagley, worlds best 2nd grade teacher, told us we could grow up and be anything we wanted to be. I've thought about daydreaming in my 8th grade history class about changing the world and making it a better place. I've replayed countless conversations with my mom as she pleaded with me to see the beauty in myself.

To most, Referendum 74 might not mean that much. To me, it means everything. Really. Everything. Other people voted that I am normal. It means that other people feel that I, and my potential marriage, is worth celebrating. Referendum 74 means so much to me because I have always felt less than.  I have never felt normal. Or equal. Because I haven't been.

People say that it shouldn't matter what other people think of you. Maybe it shouldn't. But it does. A lot. The way people view you can create or destroy confidence. Other peoples perception makes some walk in the clouds while it makes others take their own lives. It will always matter to me what the people in Washington thought - because their collective opinion about gay marriage gave me one of the greatest gifts in my life.

Thanks you. I promise to cherish the gift you have given.

Sincerely,
Chelsea