Why do this?

This morning I spent another two hours with my best friend Google, working through the lists of websites and blogs that deal with lgbt advocacy. If Google is any guide, LGBT equality is all over the net. LGBT equality is on the way

After the two hours and a couple of dozen new messages sent, I'll be lucky if I get one reply. That's the nature of publishing. Wake up every morning, remind yourself why you're doing your book, and start all over with letting people know.

Yesterday I got this reply... sustenance to keep on.

Yes, we will promote your book and your message as it is near and dear
to our own hearts. You see, we also rode bicycles for marriage equality
(the two-wheeled variety). In 2003 we rode from St Augustine Florida to
Dan Diego California and again in 2004 from San Francisco to NYC. There
is a film out about the 2004 ride called 'Lesbian Grandmothers from
MARS: One Couple's Journey for Marriage Equality."

This morning, I read this note in my mailbox:

I am a mother of a 17 year old gay son.....just found out a few months ago. I am scared for my son with this world. My son used to be such a religious boy....has a shelf full of saints etc. I told him that he is not going to hell....God loves him....God made him. I just am so worried for his future. My husband and I feel he cannot tell people at his young age..but we do not want him to feel ashamed either. He needs to talk so he is seeing a gay physcologist. This way he knows we do not want to "change" him, but he needs to talk. I praise you and am proud of you! I told my son about your book. God bless you and be safe.

Sometimes the whole book promotion process feels remote and nebulous. Then I remember that this book is a sign of friendship with the world. and then notes come back that carry friendship, hopes, and dreams, and the world draws closer.

Patience, I remind myself. It's not the end, but the journey itself.

Blessings for this day.