As a child, I remember standing with my class and placing my right hand tightly over my heart as we turned in mass to face the American flag. Together we were a chorus of young voices, some strong in the rote memory and some less sure of the words as we recited what even young American children know as the the pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

At eighteen, I stood with a group of mostly men and a few women and using my right hand again, I held it up as I stood facing the American flag and swore to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; and bear true faith and allegiance to the same as I joined the United States Army.

I have pledged my allegiance over and over as a child and adult, in the classroom, in the military and even to organizations in corporate America.

Last February, I swore a different kind of allegiance, an allegiance to love. Standing on a sturdy bridge built in the 14th century, in a tiny village in Cornwall, England, I looked into the eyes of this man and made a silent commitment that could only be heard with the heart. I made a vow that I would honor this unexpected gift before me and do whatever was necessary to come back to this place and this man and let love unfold in it’s own time.

Seven weeks later I made my way back to John and England where I spent three blissful months confirming what I already knew that day on the bridge. 

Having been back in America for the last sixteen days, I am leaving today to return to the place and life I have begun to see as my home.  Where he is, is where I want to be and it is no longer about my country or his country, but rather a strong and very simple, allegiance to love.

allegiance

noun

1. 1.Faithfulness or devotion to a person, a cause, obligations, or duties: constancy, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness.