The freak flags flew.

It's been a few day! So much for being a daily blogger. :)

Thousands and thousands.
Sweat, glitter, lipstick, more sweat,
and nothin' but love!

Pride Parade was, once again, such a life-affirming experience. I'm so proud to share this day every year with my baby girl. Pictures to come, I promise...
The contingency of churches who show up to march on the side of love always choke me up a little. It's just a beautiful sight. As do the military veterans (some of them disabled from war, yet would not have been deemed worthy to serve in the first place had they asked and told!). The PFLAG group (parents and friends, supporting their GLBTQ loved ones). The overwhelming feeling of love that is poured out among thousands of total strangers is unparallelled.
Every year, once we stake our claim on a spot along the parade route, we become insta-family with the people standing near us (okay, near is not quite the word...it's VERY crowded, and there is much forced intimacy and sweat-sharing). They become Kadi-guardians. Seriously, people ALWAYS end up looking out for my daughter! They catch beads for her, put them on her, make sure she has a prime spot for short people, catch and fill her bag with candy, make sure she's sun-screened, and hydrated. They even screen the things being thrown and confiscate the condoms, lube pouches, and I love cock buttons BEFORE they get to my baby. :) Seriously. Not one thing she shouldn't be exposed to gets by these people. Every year.
I cannot truly convey the beauty that is my yearly pilgrimage to BoysTown, Chicago. I just know that it's one of the most important things I do for myself, for my daughter, and for the spreading of love in my community.
So happy today. Really, really, just very happy. :)