Monday, April 22, 2019
My name is Christopher Paddock. Richard's son Marc Lisee and I were partners in life from 1993 to 2010; seventeen wonderful, trying but loving years. In 1996, Marc said "yes" to my proposal to "Tie the knot", "Jump the broom" and "Stomp our souls of our shoes on two glass goblets". We chose a lesbian Baptist Minister to officiate what we called "a Union" fully recognizing that what we had chosen to enter upon was not recognized legally but most importantly recognized by our friends and family. It was a glorious, September fall day. And still today, because of the groundswell of support recall this day as one of the most important days of my life.
Leading up to this moment however it was our desire to be both inclusive and respectful to those whom for whatever reason; disagreed, did not fully understand or outright objected to the life event which seemed so natural to us. On both sides of our families we wrangled our hands with the fine line of offending those whom fell into the aforementioned areas of support by either inviting them or not inviting them. Our decision to not judge the souls of others and be completely open certainly was seen as a point of conflict and concern for each of us. One of those people, who beautifully surprised us both was Marcs father Richard Lisee; who like the entire side of the rest of his family and extended family drove from Michigan to Minneapolis to show their support in union and happiness for us.
I believe, it was the beginning of a new adult understanding that allowed Marc and Richard to find not complete acceptance of each other but an willingness to understand that amongst incomplete acceptance, that love and support to be loved by whom our hearts desired was much more important than the residual issues some people had within the heads.
I thanked Richard Lisee in 1996 not so much for showing up, but the innate desire as a father to support his son's happiness. So again, Thank You Richard, your presence then ensured an environment of mutual respect that allowed your Son Marc, to rediscover and become closer to his own father.
PEACE BE WITH YOU - Christopher Paddock
