xtcian

5/10/02 One of the hidden

5/10/02

One of the hidden upshots about getting engaged is that you suddenly enter a new hierarchy of respect amongst some of your friends and extended family. It's no secret that Uncle Chris, Aunt Marilyn and Auntie Donna, among the other thousands, have wanted me to get married roughly since there was grass on the field, so to speak. In their case, I think it has something to do with the Celestial Kingdom, but moreover, it gives you a Mark of Approval and the whiff of legitimacy.

Being here in Cambridge where Tessa's sister Michelle lives – I'm reminded that I gain new family as well, and they couldn't be cooler about it. Michelle, who is not known for being flamboyant, is downright buoyant about the prospects of a wedding, and the kids seem pretty psyched about it (Katherine even said, "I'm so happy you're joining our family," which was actually one of the best moments I've had yet).

In that vein, Tessa and I went to Sam's Quaker school today for "Significant Elders Day" (they don't use ageist, ableist, family-firstish words like "grandparents" there) and it was truly a stunning experience. The level of racial and lifestyle sophistication at the Quaker school is nothing short of a miracle: we both welled with tears in front of a poster that asked "Why is there Gay Pride Day?" with the answer "Because that's the day they aren't afraid." Written by a second grader.

The day was not without its hitches: the "silent meeting" took about a half-hour longer than most kids could stomach, and some goofing off was had by some (later, there was a serious, closed-door scolding given to the entire 6th grade for "resisting the natural law of personality growth" that was so stern as to make me feel bad for eavesdropping). But the classrooms were full of respect, and Sam who with one arm, would have been repellent to my 6th grade class in Iowa – is the natural leader of the class. Other kids (who again, would have been pummeled senseless for their sensitivity and intellect) gave great reports on bone and muscle diseases, each cheered on by their classmates.

I'm sure there's some vague underbelly of flaky resentment going on there that we can't see in one afternoon, but I think about all the Celexa and therapy I wouldn't need right now if I had been allowed to go someplace like that. It almost makes me mad.

The Celextant, May 10, 2002

I've decided to write a Celextant entry only when I feel as though something interesting is happening with the drug. The one thing I feel right now is more of that lack of "waking up grogginess" I mean, when I got up at 7:30 this morning, I was UP.

Hm. Maybe that wasn't particularly interesting after all.

sample poster from the 2nd grade class at the Friends School in Cambridge