Today I had the honor and blessing to witness the wedding of someone I love very much, officiated by RUTH BADER GINSBURG. I mean, she literally walked down the aisle, three feet from me. I knew better than to try to touch her, for fear of being shot by one of six US Marshalls who were there, but the emotion I felt when she walked by was overwhelming. My heart was beating quickly and I couldn’t stop the tears. I know, I know, for those of you reading this who know me, you know it doesn’t take much to make me cry, but there was something different about this. One of the most significant women – one of the most significant people – in US history was an arm’s length away.
I watched her, listened to her speak, and could not stop thinking how this woman not only broke through glass ceilings, but is literally now one of the most important human beings on the planet in regards to saving our democracy. I sat at the wedding and considered carving out my pancreas right then and there to just toss on up to her. I mean, how much do I really need it? A lung? I’ve got two.
After the wedding, I walked into a smaller room to participate in a group photo with the judge. I sat in a chair next to her, took a deep breath, and said, “thank you.” To be honest, I’m not sure if I was thanking her for being at the wedding that day, for fighting for the greater good, for pushing past barriers, or for simply existing on this planet. She sat quietly, always looking straight ahead.
I will never forget today. I will never forget that there are people who will fight for what is right even when the bad feels overwhelming and terrifying. I will never forget sitting next to this brilliant woman who continues to defy all odds. We raised a glass to our friend at her wedding and we raised a glass to Ruth. L’chaim…to life. Never have words felt so true.
