Susan's Place Transgender Resources

I had not seen this video in a long time, and it still brings tears to my eyes.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

When a soldier returns home, things have often changed. For Staff Sergeant Michael Waltze, the ultimate change is in his child. While on his tour of duty, his daughter has transitioned and started living her truth. Today he is coming home to surprise her.

Parental love is unconditional. It transcends a person's memory of their child. The Real Thing is an infinitely stronger bond.

https://vimeo.com/223044638

Thanks for posting this, Jess. I think I may have posted this video before, but it may have been lost in the crash.

Hugs, Devlyn

That one will make you cry, this one will make you think. And probably cry.

Hi Jessica and Devlyn

Devlyn you posted "The Real Thing " in August 2025 in the Entertainment Movies Section titled Transgender Theme Movies Thread (https://www.susans.org/index.php?topic=251439.msg2309549#msg2309549).  So funny I watched it again today and still needed a tissue.

It is listed in the movies list that I created as well.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Devlyn @Jessica_Rose

I cried a small river to "The real thing".
Maybe I have become soft lately?  ;) ;)

Quote from: Finally Anna on July 01, 2026, 07:40:54 AMI cried a small river to "The real thing".
Maybe I have become soft lately?  ;) ;)

No, you have become human. Welcome to the club.
🙂

I have tears streaming down my cheeks... I am really struggling to come out to my family, especially my dad.

Quote from: AlisonM on July 01, 2026, 01:41:25 PMI have tears streaming down my cheeks... I am really struggling to come out to my family, especially my dad.

That was my most difficult conversation to have. My brothers had rejected me, so I expected the worst. I just explained that I was in therapy and this is what I learned. I am just being honest. I am not asking for permission or acceptance. If you are with me, fine. If not, my life goes on. I have not changed; I am just giving you information. It took a couple of years, but he has softened on the subject. He disagrees, but still gives his love and now does call me Lori with only occasional slips.

Have the talk. Remember that it is nobody's fault that you were born this way, and you are in therapy to address what that really means. I am hoping it goes well for you. Fingers crossed!

Today I met with my therapist and we determined that since it is such a pain point, I am not going to come out to my family.  Rather, I am going to just start dressing more femme-like and see how that goes.  I am also going to start on zepbound to lose weight and as the weight comes off, my female attributes will become more distinctive.  I have 2 to 2.5 years till surgery when it will be abundantly clear to everyone that I am a woman.

I watched "The Real Thing" again this morning, before I even saw this thread.  The first time I saw it, I bawled.  Even knowing how it ended, I had tears again today.