Has LGBT come of age?

A young man at a high school awards ceremony this week used his speech to say he was LGBT and that his classmates could accept that ... or not.

He got a standing ovation. 

It is nothing short of amazing and mind-blowing and, well, inspiring.   It gives a middle-aged woman hope.

Has LGBT come of age?

Consider that the president mentioned "Stonewall" in his inaugural speech, as in Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, NYC, where riots in 1969 kicked off the current LGBT civil rights movement.

Consider that same-sex marriage is legal in nine states (Connecticut, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Washington. D.C. and two Native American tribes also have legalized same-sex marriage. California's law is confusing but does recognize on a conditional bases.  Source: Wiki)  And Rhode Island is poised to become the 10th state. 

Consider that the Defense of Marriage Act, passed in Congress in 1996, has now made its way to the Supreme Court, which could strike it down.

Consider that the military doesn't ask and doesn't tell.

Consider that a likely appointment to the presidential cabinet has been criticized for comments against LGBT - by Republicans!

There are many things in life that I never thought I'd live to see.  This is one of them.  Boy am I glad I was wrong.

Oh, and the teen's name is Jacob Rudolph and below is a link to his speech.

  http://www.advocate.com/youth/2013/01/23/watch-high-school-senior-comes-out-standing-ovation

Grandchildren and puppy: AWWWW

Some of favorite pics from the holiday season... Baxter is tortured watching Addie eat donut holes.  Addie is oblivious to her pain.  Finley and Jack are watching Addie's dance recital.  And of course, our new dog Sammie...

When does old age begin?

Paul turned 60 this month.  I know.  It's hard to believe I am married to an old man.

But wait.  I have done my research and it turns out I am not married to an old man. 60 is still middle age.  Unless you are under 30, then you believe I am married to an old man.

What?

Here's the thing.  No one really has established at what age you enter into old age.  One group says 75.  Another group says 54.  Yes, that specific.  Another group says 60.  It's all in your perception.  I love perception. 

In fact, I have perceived old 20-year-olds and young 80-year-olds (hi, mom). 

In the research, it also was pointed out that the older we get, the younger we perceive ourselves to be.  People in their 80s think of themselves as 20 years younger.  People in their 60s knock off about 15 years in their minds. 

The other positive point about aging and not found in the research, is that the older you get, the less you care what others think - or what they perceive about you. 

I turn 60 this year as well.  The last month of the year.  Can't wait!!