Anniversary of my father's passing and how my life changed

[Melody Maia]

I've posted about this before, but a year ago today my father passed. It was the beginning of the end and also the beginning of the new beginning for me. I came to grips with my desire to be female. I could no longer hide it and things came to a breaking point in July of last year. I nearly took my own life then and decided I had to change. By the end of that month I had come out to my then wife, started seeing a gender therapist and a few months later had started HRT. I then came out in increments to friends and family, my wife decided she wanted a divorce, I stayed at the house through the holidays and a few weeks into January moved to Florida. There things started to really change as I went full-time almost immediately, met a bunch of great folks (some of them members here on Susan's) and really started my new life in earnest. Lord knows it has been extremely difficult at times, but my friends in RL and here have been there to hold my hand. Thank you.

In honor of my father, here is the video I made for his funeral. I posted this once before in January, but I thought it fitting to post it again today.

[Devlyn]

Hugs! Sorry about your Dad, I lost mine in 1997. Anniversaries and his birthday were the worst for a while, now I usually look back fondly around those times. It gets better, kid! Hugs, Tracey

[cynthialee]

Thank you for sharing.

[Janet_Girl]

I lost my Dad about 2005 and Mom three years before that.  So I know how you are feeling, Mel.

Thanks for sharing, Sis. 

[Cindy]

My Dad went on Christmas day 2003, my wife had her accident boxing day 2004, my Mum died Christmas Eve two years ago.

Stay true to your love and your memories. Remember Mia you have family here, don't hesitate to call or ask me to call you.

Love my friend

Cindy

[annette]

Dear Melody

Thank you for giving a look inside the life of you and your parents, it was really touching.
Life isn't always easy, as you allready know, but you're right when you say I've got friends to hold my hand.
You're a sweet, sensible woman, if there were many more of you, the world would be a better place.

It's a good thing you have good memories to your father, keep those into your heart.
If you ever need someone to hold your hand (even virtual because of the distance) just give me a call.
You're more than worth it.

besos y abrazos mi hermana
Annette

[Caith]

My father passed in 1995, and I still miss him, all the time.
Hugs and love to you, Melody.

[Melody Maia]

Thanks everyone. Went out with some ladies and raised a toast to him last night. My ex let me know that my son said he missed his grandpa and dad at the 4:44 mark of the video. That little comment devastated me. I cried great heaving sobs for quite a bit last night at just the thought that he feels that way. This path is often ridiculously painful. However, I know it is the right (and only) path for me. I cling to the idea that my experiences have helped others.

[Amazon D]

I finally just got DSL so i was able to view it. Very nice.

I too lost my dad on august 4th 2007 which is Barack Obama's birthday. I was in NH as a volunteer and drove 14 hours to SW virginia to have him die in my arms on the early morning of the 5th. His spirit left on the 4th but he kept his body going until i got there.

May you know he is above watching over so make him proud in all you do do it your best. hugs 

[Suzy]

Very nice Maia!

I know those anniversaries can be terribly lonely times when we lost a loved one, and your dad was obviously so important to you.

I look forward to the next time we can get together over Starbuck's.  Until then, my friend, please accept my warmest hugs.

Kristi

[spacial]

Melody.

I recall the video from the last time.

It has lost none of its impact. Thank you so much for sharing it again.

[Gabby]

The video is beautiful Maia.

I lost my dad 2 years ago last month, we were very close and not close at all, I suppose that's how I've always been with most people being born transsexual.  I'm thinking of visiting my Dad's older brother in Oz, (I might end up staying there )

[Cindy]

The video is beautiful Maia.

I lost my dad 2 years ago last month, we were very close and not close at all, I suppose that's how I've always been with most people being born transsexual.  I'm thinking of visiting my Dad's older brother in Oz, (I might end up staying there )

Where in Oz?

[Gabby]

Hello Cindy, I think he's in Queensland, I think   For something like 50 years my dad and his brother wrote to each other, mum writes now

Nature, ocean sports, someone said once there's no glass ceiling if you work hard anything is possible, young country and all.

Now I'm really looking at the UK and thinking you boring bunch of... lol.

[Cindy]

Hi Lexia
I came to Oz alone when I was 23. New no one. After a year I was homesick I went back for a holiday over Xmas. I couldn't stand the place (sorry) it was just that the people I knew were doing exactly the same things. Same pub, same drink, same everything.  I couldn't wait to get back. In general Oz is pretty tolerant as long as you are not Aboriginal    for which I am deeply ashamed of my country.

And there is quite a network of Oz girls at Susan's

Hugs

Cindy