Editor's Note: Theresa lost her battle with cancer last May. Our deepest condolences to Kim as we remember both their courage nad steadfast devotion through the difficult process.

Theresa and I have been friends for 10 years, together as a couple for seven, married for six.

We know what marriage is ...

Six years ago, we got married in Vancouver, British Columbia, on a cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset.

Since then, we have experienced many great times together but we have also trudged through some extremely tough times...

Financial difficulties, loss of loved ones.

Cancer after cancer; we're fighting the fifth cancer now.

We have had to deal with so many hardships through all of these years of fighting cancer and fighting for rights.

We have figured out the key to our successful marriage is that we have been able to intermingle incredible, extraordinary, awesome times even in the worst periods of sickness and emotional turmoil.

We love each other deeply.

We care ultimately about one another.

We give one hundred percent to our relationship.

We respect each other and want the best for our family.

We know what marriage is and every day we practice the skills that it takes to maintain a Good Marriage.

Theresa and I don't need the state to tell us what or who makes a marriage.

But our lives might be a little easier if the government would recognize us as a Family.

                                             - Kimberly Allen & Theresa Gonzales