An Open Letter for all 

- by Ben Uecker

First things first, we come from some very different backgrounds. One grew up in the suburbs of Chicago eating green collards for Thanksgiving while the other grew up in "beautiful" Door County eating and drinking beer and bratwurst.

However, the most obvious difference would be the taboo subject that we never talk about in the Midwest. You can only imagine what kind of questions we get from people on a regular basis. When we are asked these questions we patiently wait for them to finish before giving a thoughtful and considerate answer. Ah, who are we kidding? We both have sarcastic families. 

It doesn't end there. The looks that we receive sometimes are worth the price of admission to whatever event that we are at. Again, all one can do is just be the better person and ignore the weird looks. We have each other; that's all that counts right? 

It's 2009. For as far as we have come technologically, there are many of the old ways that we still cling too. Some of these are good and some should really be questioned if they have a place in this modern world. Right or wrong one needs to accept the good with the bad. 

On that note, we can always strive to be better people and sometimes baby steps are all that is needed. While we all can be different colors on the outside the most important thing is we are all the same color on the inside. 

Once a person gets past these prejudices that are ingrained since birth, one can begin to truly open their eyes and accept a person for who they really are. It is not our place to judge. 

With heavy heart I must take this opportunity to confess a heavy burden that has weighed me down since we both met.  Even as we are only a few weeks away from the "big day", I have spent many a restless night contemplating this game changing and difficult event in my life. I've been told there are anonymous groups for people in my situation. I just hope I can find the courage to attend these groups.  Most importantly, I hope they have the answers I am looking for.  For as much as I love her, there will always be that lingering sensation including betrayal and confusion.

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