The most wonderful thing anyone has ever said to me, from my dad.

[Anatta]

My Dad has known since April, shortly before I had my voice surgery (I came out to him over the phone). He told the rest of that side of the family and I heard nothing but open acceptance, love, and pride immediately. What a dream.

Though a few nights ago, I had the pleasure of seeing my father and that side of the family in person for the first time since coming out and transitioning. The whole experience was wonderful... from clutching him close upon arrival, to hearing him say just how amazing I was and go on about my voice, to hanging with my other relatives... including my younger half sister who took one look at me and said "you look awesome" under her breath and asked me if I had highlights. When I said yes, she said "so cool! So this is what I would look like with highlights! I knew I should get them." CUTE!

The night was filled with great questions from all of them, with my favorite part of the night being when everyone left and I spent two hours going over (in utmost detail) the entire history of my transness and related path through life with my Dad and step mother (my parents were divorced when I was 2.5 and he I kept all things of this nature hidden from him until coming out). At the end before I left, he made me cry by saying. "I really feel like I know you so much better. I've never been more proud of you than I am at this moment." The waterworks on the way home to my mom's were nothing short of spectacular.

Okay okay, but the best part didn't come until this morning in the form of a Facebook message from my Dad. After a few short messages of giving thanks to each other (which were notably wonderful on their own), he suddenly and completely blew me away. This is what he said...

(in reference to our visit)
Oh my god. This trip has been filled with tears of joy, but none until like now. I knew immediately that I had to share this message with you all because every time I read it I begin to cry towards the end, and I wanted for him to be recognized in any way possible to me as such a shining example of how amazing parents can be even after their child transitions... I welcome you to share your wonderful stories of love and happiness with your families, too. I think we would all love to hear about it.

Even if you might not have anything to add to this thread of love and acceptance, I hope it warms up your holiday spirits, and may we all smile bright for those of us who are reunited happily with our families- whether for the first time since transitioning, if they have known who we are for a while, or even if our best times are yet to come.

Happy holidays everyone.

So much love,
Jenny

Kia Ora Jenny,

Your dad sounds like a "New Age" dad...A real gentleman...

Metta Zenda

[JLT1]

Jennygirl,

It is encouraging to know that positive outcomes are possible.  We need that sometimes.  I also believe you deserve some accolades for this result.  Working with parents can be difficult and you put some effort in the communication.  Well done.

Stay warm out there!

I'm 250 or so miles north of my home.  It's like -14F out there and windchills are hovering around -40F!!  But it's warm in this house and warmer inside me becasue of your post.  Thank you.

Hugs,

Jen 

[Kaitlin4475]

That sounds like such a great amazing, I feel like my father will not respond the same way. He knows about me from when I was younger but thinks I out grew my "phase." I'm going to tell my whole family soon, I hope they respond just as yours did. Yours just seems like it is such a heart warming and self assuring experience

[Jennygirl]

Thank you all for the wonderful responses... This Christmas visit will never be forgotten for me and the validation I have received here only adds to the great memory of it thank you so much!

My uncle got around to posting some photos from that night I visited with my dad... Here is a pic of my step mom, dad, me, and my younger half sis

[Tessa James]

Your Dad is beaming and you all look genuinely happy Jenny.  Well deserved and so sweet.

[Jennygirl]

Thanks Tessa!

[Cindy]

Gorgeous!

[noeleena]

Hi,

Sounds real cool to me and lovely with those around you as well.

...noeleena...

[justmeinoz]

Congratulations to you and all your family. Acceptance like theirs is wonderful, give them a hug for me.

Karen.

[DuckyAlexis]

Your dad sounds like an amazing person. reading that made me start to tear up a bit :p  So happy you have found so much acceptance from your family.

Lexi

[Emo]

I wanna cry now. Youre so blessed to have such an accepting family and father...

[Jennygirl]

Thank you everyone for the amazing responses. I sent this thread to my dad and he said he cried when he read it



Happy new year everyone!!

[Antonia J]

I once told MaidofOrleans that I wanted her mother to adopt me. If she won't, then I would be equally happy with your dad

[LJP]

You are blessed Jenny. It sounds like both your parents and step parents are really loving open minded ppl  . Glad it went so well for you.