Today, 6/02/2014, June and I went to the Cook County clerk's office and had our civil union officially recognized as a marriage from 6/2/2011. What a wonderful third anniversary gift!
Now I can say we are Married. Not "married" (with quotes), or something just like "marriage", or a civil union, or a partnership. No more explanations.
We are married.
Just like every other married couple in the world. I like the sound of that. I'm a married woman.
Also I have taken the name of my husband, June. I am now officially, legally, Sandra Wagner. Yes, I've been practicing my new signature, but it'll be a while before it becomes automatic.
And now I have to go through all the rigamarole of changing my name (again!) on all my legal documents. The last vestige of my previous life is now gone.
Proudly, Mrs. Wagner.