What Marriage Means to Me

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the author's perspective on marriage, family, and their role as a parent and citizen. It touches on the daily challenges and joys of raising children, the importance of a supportive partner, and the responsibility to leave a better world for the next generation.

🙋 Q&A

[01] Morning Routines and Family Life

1. What are some of the daily tasks and experiences the author describes in their morning routine with the family?

• Dealing with the aftermath of a chaotic morning, including bibs, toothbrushes, hairbands, and dirty dishes
• Bouncing along to Christmas music with the twins as they eat breakfast
• Helping a wiggling toddler put on a sweater
• Scattered building blocks and scrambled eggs on the wall
• Goodbye kisses at the door and thermoses of coffee in the minivan

2. How has parenting changed the author's perspective on things like Christmas music in the morning? The author notes that Pete used to protest Christmas music in the morning, but now he encourages it. The author suggests that parenting changes people.

3. What role does the author's spouse play in the morning routine and family life? The author's spouse dances around, feeds the dogs, sings along, and makes the kids smile and giggle with silly faces and voices. The author also mentions that their spouse rushes out the door to the airport for an important trip.

[02] The Meaning of Marriage

1. How does the author describe their view of marriage? The author sees marriage as:

• Negotiating the daily schedule and stuffing diaper bags
• The sweat-inducing challenge and cute success of getting a toddler dressed
• Having the right to juggle it all with a supportive partner
• The promise of hard work for your partner, kids, and country

2. What does the author's marriage provide them and their family? The author's marriage has filled their house with love, called them to something bigger than themselves, and made their kids the most important thing. It pushes the author to ensure they leave their kids a country and world they can thrive in.

3. Why does the author see their marriage and unions like theirs as precious and fragile? The author is aware that some desperately want to take away the right to their union, and they hope the Senate will vote to protect families like theirs through the Respect for Marriage Act.