Tuesday, November 18, 2008

1st DAY OF MARCHING COMPLETE!!

Well, we did it! We actually began this huge journey of marching through the coastal cities from L.A. to San Francisco! We had a very small, but warm and supportive sendoff this morning - as well as an interview with our local ABC station - Channel 7...thank you Shawn!

Sergeant Farrell saw us off as we walked up San Vicente Blvd. He offered us luck, safety and lunch when we return! We tried to convince him to join us in San Francisco and haven't given up hope that he'll be there! Thank you Sgt Farrell!

Jerri walked with us for the first hour of our march - thank you Jerri!

We met some very nice people along the way who signed the petition from the Courage Campaign that advocates a repeal of Prop 8. We marched from West Hollywood to Santa Monica and are staying with our wonderful friends, Debbie and Bob. Staying with them is truly like the 4 Seasons! Jacuzzi, Pool, Our own entrance into the back house - we may have difficulty leaving!

Our first day was one of learning our way. We may have worn the wrong type of socks and gotten the beginnings of some blisters, but a quick visit to the REI in Santa Monica got us on the right track!

We are getting our laptop setup to upload pictures and videos as we go along - be patient, we will get that working. this is a work in progress.

Thank you to everyone who has sent supportive texts, emails, phone calls - we love you all and you keep us going!

Thank you especially to our wonderful support team, without whom this march would be impossible! .... Sarah Richardson who met with us from the beginning and has always been so supportive, encouraging and proactive. Sage Collum who worked as we did all day on election day and got on board early to offer her support. Alexi Weden, Tracie's coworker and our friend, who initially offered her husband John as a support and soon found herself drawn in and managing our blog! Her husband John as offered great insight drawn from his experience and is now supporting our efforts. And last, but certainly not least, our dear friend and election day coworker, Katie Escudero, who has selflessly offered her support. And let me clarify, when I say support, I mean in the way that demands blood, sweat, and tears. We are being cared for and tended to by their caring, concern, and thoughtfulness. We are sleeping in a comfortable place each night due to their dilegence. We are getting some media attention to spread the word and sustain this energy because of their persistence. We are resting easy each day because they are all working so hard on our behalf. Thank you will never be enough.

We're going to soak in the "4 Seasons" hot tub to prepare for another inspirational day tomorrow!

7 comments:

  1. Wow, I am speechless! I love you both and am proud to be your sister. Hope to see you in December, somewhere on the way to San Fran-cis-co! Love always, Michelle

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  2. stirring
    moving
    encouraging
    motivating
    Inspirational
    touching
    heartrending
    Magnificent
    superb
    wonderful
    splendid
    glorious
    outstanding
    exceptional
    terrific
    stupendous
    dazzling
    marvelous
    excellent
    great
    amazing
    spectacular
    excellent
    awe-inspiring
    fabulous
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    grand
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    remarkable



    And WOW! these are the only words that I think of when I think of Valarie and Tracie. I support the two of you tremendously! You are both 2 wonderful and STRONG women!

    I love you both very much
    -Melissa

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  3. val & tracie, michelle shared this story with me, wow, you are going to have some amazing stories to tell about the next 5 weeks, the people you'll meet, the things you will encounter, i'll listen in from the comfort of my living room & cheer you guys on. passing on love & prayers for endurance & peace & strength during your journey! love, kathy

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  4. Wow, this is truly awesome and so important. We live in the Bay Area and will join you when you get close. This march is historic and so needed to keep visibility. You go girls!!!

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  5. I am joining your march in spirit. Perhaps I will be able to walk with you as you approach the Bay Area. I have posted your blog on my homepage and will follow your courageous journey with gratitude for you both!
    Rev. Susan Russell has lots of blog followers, so more may be coming to support you.
    Take care of yourselves and your support team.
    Best wishes and prayers,
    Pat Klemme
    Phoenix AZ

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  6. Tracie and Val, my wife and I live outside the bay area and you can be sure we'll be following your progress and be there to welcome you at SF City Hall! This is inspiring in so many ways and a middle-aged lesbian couple of ten years in Northern California says "Thank you!"

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  7. Good luck, and NO MORE BLISTERS!! Sounds like a great way to gather signatures and make a point! I'm way south of you (wrong direction!) but I'll be walking with you in spirit!

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