We did hear back from my wife's brother and sister. Her brother was concerned about his sister and wanted to make sure she was OK. He was OK with my transition as long as his little sister was OK with it. Her sister said she was also accepting, but she does not want me to visit her family at their house because she does not want to explain it to our young teen niece. I wonder if she realizes that day will eventually come. What was most important is that neither of them plan to cut ties with their sister (my wife), which was all I was really hoping for. I count this as another 'win'.
I did not have a single bad experience during our trip to Tennessee, Florida, and Louisiana. I had a few interesting experiences while shopping, all of them were positive. The most memorable was with a young female dressing room attendant at a clothing store in Louisiana.
Attendant: 'Wow, you're tall.'
Me: 'Excuse me?'
Attendant: 'You're tall, and beautiful.'
Me: 'Thank you.'
That certainly put a smile on my face! I nearly cried in the dressing room thinking about it. On the way out I renewed the conversation...
Me: 'Your comment really made my day.'
Attendant: 'Why is that?'
Me: 'I am not used to people telling me that I am beautiful.'
Attendant: 'Well you are.'
Me: 'I don't usually do this, but I want to show you something.'
...(I showed her my old driver's license.)
Attendant: 'Wow! Well, you are beautiful.'
Me: 'Thank you, and I hope you have an awesome day!'
As I turned and began walking away the attendant added, 'You keep rocking that dress!'
Encounters like this have given me the confidence that I now have. Based on the comments I have received from others I guess my mind has not yet caught up with reality. I still find it hard to believe that others see me as a beautiful woman.
