Hi Moonflower It's so nice to hear from you and the fantastic, stupendous responses you have received from all of your children. I'm thrilled to pieces that all 3 of your children, have accepted and supported your sweetheart unconditionally. Congratulations are definitely in order for you and your family.
From your first child Quote from: Moonflower on March 09, 2024, 06:46:21 PMWe're telling my kids!!!!!!!!!!!
This morning my youngest met my sweetheart as a woman. This one of my kids was the easiest to tell because when she was working in a mall shoe store, one day she said that her favorite customers were the women who were over 6 feet tall, had deep voices, and big feet. She said that they were so appreciative of her support, they brought her lovely gifts.
Karma at its best and your upbringing of your youngest played a definite part in her kindness.
Quote from: Moonflower on March 09, 2024, 06:46:21 PMThis morning, we were surprised when she said that she thought that my spouse might be androgynous. I was sure that she'd say something like, "Duh! I was wondering when you'd tell us." Or "Yeah, so what's your news?"
It's surprising what comes out of the mouths of ones children, they know more about what's going on than you might think. I would have liked your youngest to have said, "Yeah, so what's your news?"
Quote from: Moonflower on March 09, 2024, 06:46:21 PMThen she asked me if that makes me pansexual. I'll have to look that up so I can answer accurately.
Yeah I had to look it up as well, all these new terms, I just think "ugh".
Quote from: Moonflower on March 09, 2024, 06:46:21 PMIt was a great heart-to-heart conversation of love and appreciation all around.
That wiped us out emotionally but we had to tell her siblings before they heard it through the grapevine. Fortunately my sweetheart was prepared with nearly final drafts of letters for each, which she sent. Now we wait for their responses...
I wonder what their responses will be? (I know already)
I know what it means when you are telling your story, it's mentally and emotionally exhausting, because you are the one who is doing all the talking, with a few interruptions for questions along the way. I have told my story 3 times in the last couple of months to family members. They were very appreciative of what I told them.
From your second child Quote from: Moonflower on March 10, 2024, 06:48:02 PMYes! Response #2 of 3. This one from my oldest child. She was the hardest to tell because although she is gender non-conforming, she has been clear about wanting medical transitioning to be unavailable to all trans people because she considers it an unreasonable decision.
Two down one to go! In this day and age one is taught that they can do anything they want to do, regardless of where they are on the gender spectrum.
"Unreasonable decision", it would be interesting to find out why she thinks this is the case.
Quote from: Moonflower on March 10, 2024, 06:48:02 PMShe had the kindness and respect to respond by email, "Congratulations!" and ask how my sweetheart chose her name. I'm so happy that we've crossed this bridge. The cat's out of the bag, where it belongs.
Again your upbringing of your oldest played a definite part in her kindness and respect. Did you tell your story how your sweetheart and maybe you came up with her name. I do not recall seeing anything being mentioned in your posts, in regards to how you came up with your sweethearts name.
Quote from: Moonflower on March 10, 2024, 06:48:02 PMI have a euphoric sense that I was born to be a trans supporter, and to be supported by trans people. It feels like very important work. My sweetheart also feels like she's here to be the one trans person who many of her acquaintances know. She's here as an example of a trans person who is reasonable and respectable, unlike what conservatives claim. She's here to help spread awareness of and consideration for trans living conditions.
When I sit back and think about you and the story of your life growing up in your postings and the story of you, your children and your sweetheart as a family in your postings. I get the sense not of helping 'trans people' only, an admirable trait, but of helping others.
Like you, I ended up teaching, which resulted in me helping others. I care for others and hope that they succeed well in their life and this was the way, I could give back, the happiness that I achieved in my life. My philosophy in life is this in a nut shell, "to pass on my knowledge to others" and this statement is exactly what you are doing and are going to do in the future.
Once again congratulations on your success in telling your children. Take care and best wishes for the future, from downunder.
Love and Hugs for all the familySarah B@Moonflower