Last night I had an unexpected package from work.

It was my 2013 Bronze Medal (DOT Superior Achievement Award) for my outstanding work for the agency, finally reissued to no longer bear the name I buried in early 2014. I think it's because my mom @Quahoug emailed @PeteButtigieg.

I came out at work in 2014, and it was a rough several years. I won't get into it, because it's just context. I was looking for a way to put that behind me and move forward. Having my award reissued ties those meteoric first years with the agency to who I am now. There's closure.

I'm sitting here tearing up a little just thinking about how this small thing signifies that it really is a brand new day. There remains an issue to be sorted out, but in general?

I'm looking forward to starting work in half an hour. It feels nice.