Four years ago today I arrived from Manila, coming “home” after living in Asia for 4 years. I had timed my arrival carefully, as I wanted to be sitting in my waterfront home away from home in Victoria, Haro House, looking across the water to the U.S. San Juan Island, to watch the July 4th fireworks – little pops in the distance, but still, borrowing those festivities to celebrate my arrival, finally, to Vancouver Island.

I just re-read a few of the blog posts I made at the time, July 2011, including a post explaining how we ended up in Vancouver Island on this piece of geography (Where It All Began). The excitement and happiness I felt at that time continues to this day. This felt like home long before I ever arrived to live here permanently.

I’ve always believed that this year July 4th would be significant as it marks the day when we have lived on our island home as long as we lived in Asia. Still, I really don’t know if 4 years feels like a long time or a short time. My sense of time is wobbly.

But forget all that. This is a significant day for another reason.There is a lot to celebrate today, as well, as this 4th of July our neighbors (well many of them) can find pride and joy in the fact that recently their Supreme Court has finally determined that all Americans can marry whoever they love, and all that this implies for rights and respect for all. They join 17 other countries, including ours, that have now recognized same-sex marriage. Congratulations.