Sometimes, you can tell the smallest doses of kindness and acceptance mean so much to people.

[alphafemale]

I work the phones for a company that is contracted with a number of heath plans and manages pre-authorizations. My duty is helping people once their test is authorized to find a facility for their MRI or CT or whatever that is participating in their plan.

We normally need to speak to the patient. But, a family member can also do this we just need to record the name of the caller and the relationship. The other day a woman called. She gave her name and it was different than that of the patient. But same las t name. So I asked, "What is your relationship to the patient."

There was a slight hesitation. And then, her voice breaking ever so slightly, probably so unsure of the response she would receive, replied. "She's my wife."

"Wonderful," I said.

Her relief at my welcome acceptance and the immediate relaxation I detected in her was a good thing but it was also not a good thing. Same sex couples should not have to be prepared to anticipate snide remarks or disparaging vocal tones when conducting their day to day lives.

The presumption that a spouse is of the opposite sex needs to be thrown down a deep dark well. That same one we cast away the collective presumption that doctors were male.

Remember that riddle..."A father and son are critically wounded in a car accident and are taken to different hospitals. The son is wheeled into the operating room. The doctor bends over the patient then staggers back. Gasping, 'That's my son!' How can that be?"

ReallY? People were once puzzled by that riddle? Really?

Thinking back, that caller's hesitation before she said, "She's my wife." breaks my heart.

I want a world where she knows her relationship is as respected and accepted as anyone elses.

[midnight]

1. We have and we continue to be conditioned to accept double standards.

Life is life.... respect, and dignity for all....

[alphafemale]

3. Are you Unitarian Universalist?

:hug:

[Booster]

2. When there are more people with your attitude, we will have that

world. Thank you.

[alphafemale]

4. I've come to believe that the best anyone can hope to do in this crazy world...

Is to try to heal more than hurt.

Sticks and stones just break the bones. Your words can break a heart.