Boston Pride Parade

We had an amazing day at the Boston Pride Parade.  John had to work, sadly, but Becky came with us making it possible.  With so many thousands of people I don't think I would have felt comfortable without another adult to help me keep an eye on the kids.  The day had been predicted to be a complete and total washout and started out cold and rainy, I was worried that the kids would have a rough time, but just before the parade began the sun broke through the clouds and it was an absolutely perfect day. 

We took the train into the city and walked around the Boston Marathon Memorial while we waited to line up for the parade.  The memorial was hard to see, beautiful and moving, but overwhelming too.  I had been wanting to see it in person and I'm so glad I got the chance while it's still this makeshift memorial of sympathy and love, courage and strength and peace.  I'm sure they'll erect something more permament someday, but seeing those hundreds of running shoes, hats, toys, pictures and messages of support was amazing. 

After the memorial we checked out the Public Library, I had no idea there was a courtyard in the center with a gorgeous fountain.  Then we met up with my coworkers we were marching with and finally took our place in the parade.  The kids were a riot.  They loved handing out green lollipops to all of the spectators.  Everyone was cheering and yelling "Happy Pride"!  I can't express how much it meant to me to not only support the LGBT community as a proud Ally, but to include the kids in that experience.  If you ask the kids why we marched they'll tell you it was for Love, because love is a gift and no one should be made to feel bad about who they are or who they want to share that gift with. 

At the end of the day (which ended up being nearly 7 miles of walking all told) I asked each of them what was there favorite part of the day.  Sam said it was the train rides.  Caroline said it was getting ice cream at the end and Loretta said it was everything but especially walking and handing out the lollipops.  She's at that age where she feels disloyal picking out just one favorite, like the others' feelings would be hurt, but I have to agree with Loretta.  The love and acceptance in the air could be felt as easily as the warm sun and soft breeze, it was everywhere.  You couldn't help but feel joyful and hopeful.  John and I hope to raise our kids to be accepting and kind, to believe everyone deserves respect, that our differences are what make us beautiful.  That love is all we need.  I can't wait to walk again next year. 


Train to Boston

Boston Marathon Memorial

Boston Marathon Memorial

Boston Public Library

Marching Pictures: