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This is a letter to the Davis Enterprise editor from Cathy Speck...
This is a letter to the Davis Enterprise editor from Cathy Speck...
My family, Gene and Dorothy Speck and my zillion siblings, moved to this fine town in 1956. The Specks have many fine traditions in Davis. And although I am honored to be following in the footsteps of my brother Larry and my mom Dorothy, those steps are rapidly becoming aided by a walker and wheelchair.
I have ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka, Lou Gehrig's disease. We have a rare genetic form of familial ALS running through my family. Of course, all of my family, friends and co-workers are being tremendously supportive and compassionate. I feel so fortunate to be living in the community of Davis where love and offers of help so freely abound.
My biggest concern is for my wife, Linda Duval. We were married last November, the day before the election when Prop 8 passed. (Our state does establish trends for the other forty-nine, so I'd been hoping that we could make progress out here on the "Left Coast.")
Linda and I have been a committed couple since 1993. We live together, love and laugh together, cry together, and make lots of music for our community--always together. Because of the lack of equal marriage rights, Linda will not be able to receive my Social Security benefits when I die. This is just one of the sad realities of what happens when our country doesn't treat its citizens equally.
Some day I hope the United States of America and the great state of California will recognize that our love and commitment are as strong as any heterosexual couple, and that we deserve the same rights and benefits. We pay the same taxes, and we die and leave our loved ones behind. Although I am the eternal optimist, I don't think marriage equality will happen before I die.
But when equality is manifested, you all will hear my booming voice bouncing off clouds and dancing with the rays of sun. And I will be singing of thanks and praise. And Love. Always remember Love--with a capital "L.."
Thank you or your fine writing and for keeping our community members "in the loop."
Cheers!
Cathy Speck
756-8260
music@duvalpeck.com
www.duvalspeck.com
www.alsa.org more als info
My family, Gene and Dorothy Speck and my zillion siblings, moved to this fine town in 1956. The Specks have many fine traditions in Davis. And although I am honored to be following in the footsteps of my brother Larry and my mom Dorothy, those steps are rapidly becoming aided by a walker and wheelchair.
I have ALS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, aka, Lou Gehrig's disease. We have a rare genetic form of familial ALS running through my family. Of course, all of my family, friends and co-workers are being tremendously supportive and compassionate. I feel so fortunate to be living in the community of Davis where love and offers of help so freely abound.
My biggest concern is for my wife, Linda Duval. We were married last November, the day before the election when Prop 8 passed. (Our state does establish trends for the other forty-nine, so I'd been hoping that we could make progress out here on the "Left Coast.")
Linda and I have been a committed couple since 1993. We live together, love and laugh together, cry together, and make lots of music for our community--always together. Because of the lack of equal marriage rights, Linda will not be able to receive my Social Security benefits when I die. This is just one of the sad realities of what happens when our country doesn't treat its citizens equally.
Some day I hope the United States of America and the great state of California will recognize that our love and commitment are as strong as any heterosexual couple, and that we deserve the same rights and benefits. We pay the same taxes, and we die and leave our loved ones behind. Although I am the eternal optimist, I don't think marriage equality will happen before I die.
But when equality is manifested, you all will hear my booming voice bouncing off clouds and dancing with the rays of sun. And I will be singing of thanks and praise. And Love. Always remember Love--with a capital "L.."
Thank you or your fine writing and for keeping our community members "in the loop."
Cheers!
Cathy Speck
756-8260
music@duvalpeck.com
www.duvalspeck.com
www.alsa.org more als info
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