It gets better

I was recently in one of the smaller towns in our area. One that isn't exactly known for it's friendliness to gays. While there, I thought I'd stop and enjoy a quick lunch along the riverside. Around me was kids skateboarding, boats going up and down the river, bicyclist navigating the path along the river and two young men sitting and talking on the riverbank.
Then suddenly, one of the men leaned over and kissed the other. Next thing I knew he was on top of him and they were making out, right there on the riverbank with others watching everywhere. Of course the skateboarding kids were the first to notice. I thought to myself, "this is not going to be good". I was at the ready to jump in and defend them if necessary. The kids made their way closer and I was getting nervous for the two guys. People in the passing boats, didn't seem to care. And then one of the kids yelled out "My friend wants in on some of that!" I couldn't believe my ears. I sat quietly watching. The men moved to a more secluded spot. The kids followed and eventually approached them. I wished that I could hear the conversation. Eventually the kids left them and the guys walked down the riverbank holding hands and talking. They passed by me and I smiled and gave them a reassuring nod. As they walked further, a cyclist passed them and greeted them. As they disappeared around a corner, I felt like I had just witnessed a wonderful thing.
Something truly wonderful had just happened in this small town. It touched me deeply that this young couple was comfortable enough to show their love in public and that they were not beat up or even prodded along by the police. Perhaps there is hope for this world after all. This event changed my view of not only this small town, but of the world.

This could never have happened when I was younger. Or even eleven years ago when I met my husband. So in the theme that we are hearing so much on the net lately, YES! It gets better. It has gotten better and it will continue to get even better.