The wind itself had a presence. Made its presence felt by keeping everyone cool, splashing the music across the green of Window on the Waterfront, flapping rainbow colors joyously, causing trees to clap their hands, distributing booth papers indiscriminately, ruffling everyone’s hair, and causing early booth dismantling.
The wind of the Spirit was surely present. Seemed to meet us at the entrance. Or did we bring It with us? It made Its presence felt for five hours- different than ever before at our Holland PRIDE Festival. Seemingly It rode the wind through everyone circling the sidewalks.
The only serious conversations were in celebration for fulfillment of hopes through Friday’s Supreme Court decision, gratitude for the dispersement of inequality and for future freedom for LGBT persons, and quiet talk about love’s new acknowledgment and possibilities for known persons and couples.
Oh, but the Spirit whipped through in the multitude of happy hugs, the escalation of laughter, the appearances of rainbows at every turn, the tempo and tone of the melodies, the delight in empathizing with those personally rejoicing, the upbeat of conversations, the adorning of clothing with symbols of togetherness, and the worthfulness everyone felt at being there at such a timely occasion.
The police officers, anticipating possible protesters, simply watched the vibrant activity. People ate and drank more than comfort food. More diversity of persons appeared among us. Children of gay and lesbian couples swung arms with their parents. Plans for the future were revealed. An array of 50 sponsors stood forth. Cordiality abounded. Hopes are no longer fear-coated.
Oh, everyone knew some people in the community were shaking heads, possibly angry or planning protests, not understanding or having arrived at the place we had. But everyone there was relieved and grateful to be experiencing a community of equality now recognized across our land.
Faith, hope and love permeated the atmosphere. “Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” seemed to have become more real.
~Earl Laman