Family Spotlight:
Mary Beth and Fran
It was our mutual love for the outdoors that first brought us together. At the time, we were both teaching, coaching, attending grad school and working part time so finding the rare afternoon to bike or run was a luxury that we both appreciated.
Not long into our relationship, Fran qualified for the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii and Mary Beth received a Fulbright to teach in Northern Ireland. It was during our year apart that we realized that our relationship would be one that would last a lifetime.
Upon finishing grad school Fran pioneered the state’s first college outreach program for students with mild to moderate developmental disabilities. The program, now in its eleventh year, gives nineteen-to-twenty-one year old youths the opportunity to complete their state certificate in an age appropriate setting on a college campus.
In addition to teaching, Mary Beth has become involved with GLSEN (the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network) Metro-Baltimore. The inspiring youth and adults that she works with strive to assure that each member of every school community is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression.
Although community involvement and family obligations keep us running at a pretty consistent pace, we feel that the level of commitment is important. Additionally, it encourages us to really value the time that we have together.
Our time together was almost cut short when Mary Beth was rushed to the hospital several years ago. While doctors were trying to determine what was causing a mysterious blood loss, Fran was left in the dark. Mary Beth's primary caregiver would not share information with her as she was not considered close family. This caused great concern as she was considered a stranger in the eyes of the law.
For this and many other reasons we decided to formalize our seventeen year bond. On May 17th, 2006, we registered for a marriage license in the state of Massachusetts. We were married on the beach at the end of June. It was a wonderful event made even more exceptional by the support that we received from family and friends.
Unfortunately our Massachusetts license is not valid in the state of Maryland. It is our hope that one day it will be. At that time, all committed couples will be able to celebrate and enjoy the rights/ responsibilities that come with the legal recognition of marriage in the state of Maryland.
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