Yesterday I attended a memorial service for a friend who I hadn't seen in several years who passed away unexpectedly. I showed up looking much like I do in my avatar photo but my grey hair has grown out more significantly since then. I was also wearing black slim fit jeans and black women's leather Propet shoes. There were hundreds of people present, it was held in a non-denominational Christian church and was very upbeat and inspiring. After a rather wonderful slide show depicting my younger friend's life and the deep impact he had on so many others I had a chance to say a few kind words about him and his family at the microphone.
I recognized many in the audience that I hadn't seen in years and what was most interesting was the sucking sound of a multitude of old friends drawing their breath simultaneously as I began to speak, because until I opened my mouth they didn't recognize me as none had seen me in many years or since my transition. Later in the foyer I was greeted, hugged, squeezed and kissed by a multitude
of men and women who were astounded at the changes in me and the apparent youthfulness that I have been fortunate to retain thanks to a combination of HRT, good genes, diet and exercise. I came away having had my boobs thoroughly crushed by both men and women's warm hugs. This was my friend's day, but it turned out to be a wonderful day for me also, to be able to see all of the old friends I had long since lost track of and to know that my friend is in the arms of God. Yesterday was a great and victorious day!
<sniffles> :'(
That is just simply amazing and inspirational Shan!!! I am so glad this was a positive experience even though it started sadly. Sounds like you have TRUE friends in your life. This made my day!! :)
Quote from: Jessica Merriman on August 27, 2014, 12:14:45 PM
<sniffles> :'(
That is just simply amazing and inspirational Shan!!! I am so glad this was a positive experience even though it started sadly. Sounds like you have TRUE friends in your life. This made my day!! :)
Yes and I have you in my life and that counts big time too Sis!
My God what an amazing blessing for you Shantel.
You rock!
It is so messed up that a lot of times we see old friends is when one passes away. Same with family. When my mom died I saw so many people in my family that I hadn't seen in years if not decades even. It is sad but also pretty elating but still under bad circumstances.
It's seems to be true, out of pain comes happiness. I am so happy for you Shantel but sorry you lost a friend. :'(
Quote from: Jess42 on August 27, 2014, 05:52:11 PM
It is so messed up that a lot of times we see old friends is when one passes away. Same with family. When my mom died I saw so many people in my family that I hadn't seen in years if not decades even. It is sad but also pretty elating but still under bad circumstances.
It's seems to be true, out of pain comes happiness. I am so happy for you Shantel but sorry you lost a friend. :'(
Lots of nice things were said, but no-one thought to mention the two bronze stars he got in VN and I forgot too. Oh well, he wasn't the least bit pretentious and not given to boasting so he wouldn't have cared anyway.