Well, let's see how I'm going to start this little tread. Ahhhh yes, got to thank someone first. That's it, thank someone. But who?
...
...
.. Maybe,... no
...
...
OK, ...
Thank you to all the new girls who've recently joined the forum and gave me a chance to look back on my own transition. Yes, I forgot about the rants, the questions, the fears and of course the terrible emptiness that filled each and every day. I don't remember a whole lot about the deep pain that prompted my lengthy posts, nor do I have a hand that still feels the worry and sorrow for my losses. I knew from the beginning those losses were about to transpire, and some things are still falling by the wayside. Gone from my life are my two sons, my wife, and two of my six siblings, yet I've almost forgotten why I feared those losses. They're gone from my life, but I'm still here, and I'm happy.
Oh, I know why I've gone through all this. I know why I've watched every circumstance in my life break, fail, or warp into hideous shapes. And yet everything that I questioned, everything that held me back, and everything that I feared means nothing to me now. All that really matters is that I'm Katherine, and always have been Katherine. After all I was fighting for my life, and like any warrior woman I wasn't gong to give up.
So thank you again to all of you new girls. I know you'll be saying very similar things one day, and wondering what all the fuss was about when you started your journey.
And now, here's a hug for each and every one of my sisters here on Susan's. But an especially warm and welcoming hug for all the girls who are just now reaching out for help. Never stop asking questions, spilling your fear, or venting your anger. Once you start your transition nothing is trivial until you know it's trivial, so don't add to your struggle by being afraid to ask questions. But also remember to laugh each day. Laugh at someone else, laugh at your cat, your dog, your rabbit or anything, ... even yourself.
K
