DOMA and the LGBT book

Even though I published the LGBT edition of Caring Is Not Enough a few years ago, there are many updates to the information. As with any individual who is married or single, aging or youngish, gay, lesbian or straight, there are many questions that need to be addressed.

LGBT relationships require more information be documented for the sake of the partner left behind. Are you married? Is the marriage recognized by the state in which you live? Where are the documents stating such? Do you have children? Do you have children together? Are they adopted? etc, etc, etc.

It is very important that the following article be read and then it is very important, if you are in an LGBT relationship, you get our LGBT edition of Caring Is Not Enough and fill it out: www.caringisnotenough.net

Same-sex marriage: Windsor v. US

By Bankrate.com

Edie Windsor, a resident of New York, had legally married Thea Spyer in Canada in 2007 after the two had lived together as a couple in New York for more than 40 years. Two years after marrying Windsor, Spyer passed away leaving her estate to her wife. Windsor was forced to pay $363,000 in federal taxes on Spyer's inheritance. Had their marriage been accorded the same status under federal law as a different-sex marriage, Windsor would have paid zero dollars in federal taxes. The lawsuit argues that the Defense of Marriage Act, or DOMA, violates the equal protection guarantee of the U.S. Constitution by recognizing and honoring marriages of different-sex couples, but not honoring the legal marriages of same-sex couples. In the case, Windsor seeks a refund on the taxes she was forced to pay as well as federal recognition of her legally valid marriage.

In Windsor v. United States, the Supreme Court determined Section 3 of DOMA was unconstitutional on June 26, 2013.

Read more: http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/general/news/2013/03/20/57447/marriage-equality-at-the-u-s-supreme-court/#ixzz2XYAYqWGe

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The Aging Game

This month I will celebrate my 70th birthday.

I have been repeatedly asked how I would like to celebrate the day. Giving some thought to the idea, I have decided that it would most appropriate if I spent the day remembering how it felt to be 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60. I can just sit by the pool with a cool drink and contemplate the fact that I have had such a fine life. I have a great family and wonderful friends. I have reached pinnacles in my career and then moved on from them. I love being semi-retired, but then I love to think about how much fun I have when I am busy working. Reaching certain ages signals some review of how one wants to spend their next years.

Do I want to travel more? I would like to see more of the world, but I am really not willing to go through the trouble of plane travel. After all, I have been many places and done so in relative comfort.

Do I want to sit on the beach? Oh yes, I love that. I have been to many beautiful beaches and enjoyed every one of them. But I can get in my car and be at the beach in an hour. OK, it isn't warm there, but it is the ocean.

Do I want to spend more time with our grandchildren? Oh, you bet! But now the 10 & 12 year olds are busy with their activities and friends..I am glad we still have a baby and a 2 1/2 year old who love having me in their lives. And I have to say, when we are done playing, I am tired!

Do day trips and overnights appeal? Yes...I think that is the way to go. Then when we have visited all of the beautiful sights that California has to offer, I can sleep in my own bed and not eat out at so many wonderful restaurants.

I love to read and garden and swim. I love to watch a good movie and cook a different meal. I love my home and everything in it. I love my spouse.

Aging is swell, if you take care of yourself and those who love you. Simply and with love.

Can I have my cake and ice cream now, please? Oh, and a glass of champagne would be perfect!