Yesterday my long time partner Bill Kelly and I were married on our 49th anniversary at the Sussex County Courthouse. Our wedding was a wonderful, heartwarming event, thus ending almost a half century of discrimination against Bill and me just because of who we are and we love one another.

We had many good wishes from friends, both straight and gay, yesterday, but perhaps the one that surprised me the most was a card that was placed in my storm door and I discovered when I got home from work late last night (yes, I worked on my "honeymoon"). It was a card from my representative, Steve Smyk. The card said "May your special day today be Happy and Blessed Ron. Sorry I missed you both."

I have to say perhaps nothing else touched me more than this sincere note from my representative whom I have criticized in these pages in the past for not responding to my personal letters.

I am sorry that I missed meeting with Rep. Smyk yesterday, but I do want to publicly acknowledge his kindness and respect toward me and Bill on our special day. I understand that we can continue to have political differences, but I am glad that we can continue to have kindness and respect for one another.

Thank you Rep. Smyk and please accept our wishes to you and your family on this day of independence. You have truly helped to make this a special day for me and Bill by your kindness and thoughtfulness.

Ronald W. Tipton
Milton