 |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Millie and Gary Watts Receive Award, Tribute Presented “for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Support of Our Community” November 2006 During the annual conference held in Portland last month, Affirmation: Gay & Lesbian Mormons presented a special award to Millie and Gary Watts of Salt Lake City for their tireless efforts in educating the LDS community on the subject of homosexuality. Duane Jennings, Marjorie Bradshaw, and Mike Green gave tributes to the Watts, and Olin Thomas presented a beautiful award made of glass. The text on the award read: "Affirmation Gay & Lesbian Mormons Honors Gary & Millie Watts for Outstanding Achievement and Leadership in Support of Our Community - 2006". What follows is the text of the tribute read by Family Fellowship supporter Marge Bradshaw: In an attempt to pay tribute to two extraordinary people, we have decided to focus, in a few words, on a few words. The first word is generous. Gary and Millie possess a genuinely charitable spirit. They give. They give time; they give money; they give love. We spend four nights or so each year, with several other couples, at the dining room table in their home stuffing and addressing envelopes that contain a flyer announcing the upcoming Family Fellowship gathering. They provide the home, the pizza and root beer, and contribute to the spirit of friendship. There are no aides or secretaries; there is only Watts generosity. The second word is caring. Though it will be inadequate to cover this topic, we will cite a single example. A decade ago at the Presidio in San Francisco, we were present at the wonderful commitment ceremony of our son Brett and our son-in-law Jeff. Friends from all over the country and abroad had come to share the occasion. Among the smiling faces in attendance were those of Millie and Gary, who in support of the Bradshaws, and in spite of other things that might need doing, had made the trip. Word three is communicate: by phone, by email, in person. What was in last night’s newspaper? Did someone just issue a new statement; What was it? Did you hear was happened? Do you know “So and So’s” story? Seek. Find out. Let us know. Keep us informed. If is has to do with gay or lesbian friends or loved ones, Gary and Millie will know about it, and pass it on. The next word, for Gary, is fearless. If there is someone, no matter how prominent or busy or far away, who can educate or enlighten or inspire, Gary will make the phone call, extend the invitation, and see to it that the guest comes and shares his or her information. Gary will be interviewed. Gary will allow himself to be quoted. Gary will read, read it all. Gary will write, and write wonderfully well. Gary is a man of courage. Not the only word, but the biggest word, for Millie, is motherly. What first comes to mind when you look at her? Millie is there to talk to. Millie is there to tell your troubles to, and when you do you will leave feeling better. Millie will relate to you. Millie is accessible. And in that access there will not be judgment, only love. Our last word, which is not the last word about the Watts is laughter. Millie and Gary are able to keep a sense of humor even when there are reasons not to laugh. They are good natured in the face of that which is very serious. They keep a perspective that says, “Keep going, and smile when you can.” To Gary and Millie Watts, with love, Marge and Bill.
|
www.affirmation.org