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Just sent an email to my mom...

Started by Anna++, March 10, 2013, 09:55:48 AM

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Misato

Well at least thats down.  Hopefully the girl will see it's down and think something is up.

Situation still remains unbelievable.  Though you do seem to be handling it with a lot of grace.  Hugs and heartfelt applause for that!
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Anna++

Quote from: Misato on April 29, 2013, 09:19:35 PM
Well at least thats down.  Hopefully the girl will see it's down and think something is up.

Situation still remains unbelievable.  Though you do seem to be handling it with a lot of grace.  Hugs and heartfelt applause for that!

Thanks!  I had to have my facebook friends stop me from replying with "NOT COOL.  And you wonder why I'm not going on vacation this year"
Sometimes I blog things

Of course I'm sane.  When trees start talking to me, I don't talk back.



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GendrKweer

This is really getting to be nuts, and well beyond any sane boundaries. And this is getting out of just being about you and them; setting up a stranger for disappointment/heartache in order to "fix" you is damn low. You might need a little vacation from your parents until they stop the hyperventilating..... if not in reality, then radio silence for a little while. Email them so they know why you are doing it, but be firm, and say something to the effect of:

"I understand you are confused, worried for me, scared for my future, but be aware that I've had all my life to come to terms with this, just as I am aware you have only had a few weeks to do so. I understand, I really do. But you are going over the line, and you--YOU, not me--are risking damaging our relationship irreparably. I don't want this, so I'm going to take a little time for myself, and I won't be available to chat or mail for a few weeks. During this time, I won't be reconsidering anything (remember, I've had decades to consider and reconsider), but I hope you will be considering how we can agree to disagree and yet still move forward with you treating me as your child, which I always have been, and always will remain."

Something like that? A line in the sand, dude. a line in the sand....
Blessings,

D

Born: Aug 2, 2012, one of Dr Suporn's grrls.
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kira21 ♡♡♡

Mother,  I contacted a shrink posing as you.  I gave them ur personal details and said you wanted to talk to them about your lack of ability to respect other people's right to privacy and boundaries.  I am assuming you don't mind.

Ok not a real suggestion...

Steph x

Misato

Quote from: Steph21 on April 30, 2013, 04:45:55 AM
Mother,  I contacted a shrink posing as you.  I gave them ur personal details and said you wanted to talk to them about your lack of ability to respect other people's right to privacy and boundaries.  I am assuming you don't mind.

Ok not a real suggestion...

Steph x

Maybe not real but a good one all the same!  Knee slapper good!
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Anna++

Updates from the last couple of days :(.  My mom asked me if I was going on vacation since it would be "goodbye" if I transition.  Once again I said no and then linked her to a local PFLAG chapter so that maybe she can talk to other parents.  I got this reply:

Quote
OK, your choice. But it will probably be goodbye. If you ever want to be <male name> again, we are here.

Obviously we probably won't see you at your birthday or holidays so I hope you find another family who will love you.

Maybe we will meet again in another life. I'm not interested in support groups. I have also told your aunt and she is just as confused as we are.

Love you lots, <male name>.

MOM

So she's not even going to try.  And I don't like that she's told other members of the family, but there is nothing I can do about that now.  :(
Sometimes I blog things

Of course I'm sane.  When trees start talking to me, I don't talk back.



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Noah

She sounds really desperate to me. These are scare tactics - I don't think she has processed whats really happening yet and she can not imagine you would give up your family for this. Of course, the funny thing (that isn't so funny) is that she is choosing to endher relationship with you - SHE is. Yet she is puts you in a position of responsibility for this. Your Mother probably thinks that the best way to make you come around is to completely shut you out as Anna, because she and your father don't want to give you an inkling of the idea that they might one day tolerate her. They probably imagine that soon enough you will realize that you need them and that you are making a mistake. Unfortunately for them, they are horrifically mistaken. What is actually more likely to happen here is that you will grow distant from them in a critical part of your life, having been betrayed by them as family and friends, and that trauma will be a huge obstacle between you and them in reconnecting. This is their fault, their choice, and their responsibility. I am so sorry you have been treated this way. If I were you (and if you have a good relationship with her) I would contact your Aunt. She knows now and I am sure she is even MORE confused than your parents because they are the ones who told her their insane version of this story. I wouldn't say a lot, I would just explain that I was contacting her because I know she was informed and that I wanted her to know how healthy and happy I was, and what a wonderful decision I was making for myself etc. You can direct her to support services where if she is more willing to go, she might be educated on principles and see that we are very REAL. Then she might be motivated to share that with your mutual family. But even if she doesn't, it might be nice to send her a note just because she does now know. Its important for you to not appear to distant family as though you shut anyone out, remain open and show them that. However! That is not true for your parents who are assaulting you with hate and fear ridden threats. I would write back to mom and just tell her that I hope she finds the willingness to get herself some help, that I will always be here if she decides to do so, and that I love her very much and hope she is happy and healthy. I would tell her how sad it has made me that she would do this, but that you understand that this is hard and can only imagine what it must be like to her. If she could really be willing to end your relationship forever, then this must really hurt and you have compassion for that. Change isn't easy but needing you to stay the person they want you to be in order to receive their love is a very selfish kind of "love" and perhaps you will find a family that understands how complex life can be, one that is willing to support one another through uncomfortable changes - especially during those times. Reiterate your love for her and your acceptance of her decision, be honest about your feelings but remind her that you have your own and far too much self love to negotiate with someone who is inflicting so much shameless pain.

I would take some control here by asserting boundaries and telling her all of this before telling her you won't be reading emails or taking calls that are this sick. You have offered them help and they refuse it, so until they are willing to listen - you won't be able to communicate. I would also tell her this in person or on the phone - if you think you can do this safely!! If, of course, you are too emotional to communicate this effectively or you think she is less likely to listen that way, of course just e-mail them. I just think its easy to write drama in an email, its harder to see your child/mother and really maintain such a severe perspective with them. You both need time. You need this chaos to settle. Nothing is being handled gracefully on their end and its just a mess that you need to stop engaging with.

I would find a supportive set of parents. If you have any friends who are trans and whose family embraced them...reach out to them. Or if you go to the center in your area and speak with some of the parents at one of the support groups...If you could find some who would be willing to share their experience with your parents, they might be able to help. If they could write a letter and send that to your family, for example...it seems like your parents are into reading up letters and going crazy with them - so maybe offer them this outsider perspective...preferably someone who did not accept their kid at first. This is just an idea, but I think it might be helpful. I know it might not work at all, but its a healthy kind of attempt at offering help.

Never forget that you need boundaries in your life. This is too much for any person to handle...you are going through so many changes right now and to have your family disown you...is just horrific. I am so sorry you ar dealing with this and I hope you are not too upset. Keep relying on your support system. Sorry if you do not want all my suggestions, I just wanted to offer my opinion. Good luck and keep us updated, you don't have to do this alone EVER!

Diana
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Anna++

Thanks Diana!  I'm probably going to do at least some of what you've suggested.  If I reply it won't be until tonight that way I have time to settle down a bit first.  It'll also give me time to work on what to say.
Sometimes I blog things

Of course I'm sane.  When trees start talking to me, I don't talk back.



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Heather

Quote from: Anna! :D on May 02, 2013, 06:55:30 AM
Updates from the last couple of days :(.  My mom asked me if I was going on vacation since it would be "goodbye" if I transition.  Once again I said no and then linked her to a local PFLAG chapter so that maybe she can talk to other parents.  I got this reply:

So she's not even going to try.  And I don't like that she's told other members of the family, but there is nothing I can do about that now.  :(
I'm so sorry Anna your mother is totally failing at being a parent right now. You don't deserve any of this treatment you are receiving. Don't let her get you down you she obviously got more problems than you just being trans. Even though she says goodbye something tells me she's not going to just let this go and will try to contact again. It's like she is trying bully you into being the person she wants you to be. Instead of loving you for the person you are! I know it's easy to see this as a negative but turn this around in your favor by becoming the best woman you can be. And rub it in her face with how well your living. Sometimes negatives can be positives if you channel your emotions and turn them around to your advantage. My mom at one point said I would be an ugly woman and that I wasn't brave enough to transition. Even though she has since apologized I still use those word as fuel to get past every fear I have when it comes to my transition. You should take something your mom or dad has said to you and turn it around on them by proving them wrong.
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Misato

Regarding the family that loves you thing your mom said, Anna you are such a winner I've no doubt what chosen family you find will be worlds better than that of your mom and dad.  I bet, and hope, that you get the love, respect and support in your life that given your parents behavior, you are long overdue for.
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Lubbles

This is insane! I'm so sorry you have to go through this *hug*. I wish I had sage advice to share with you.... *hug*
"Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears."

~ Les Brown
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StellaB

Oh dear oh dear.. I'm just so sorry you're going through this but can't say that I'm altogether surprised. Seems that from the very start if there was a mistake to be made your parents would go out of their way to make it.

There's not really that much you can do here I'm afraid. The world is divided generally into people who accept the world and others for who they are and those who have solid convictions over how others and the world 'should' be.

I can think of a lot of adjectives to describe your parents and their actions but I won't. It's not going to make any of this any easier for you, it's not going to lead to a change, and I feel what you need right now are things which help you stay positive and strong.

Families only matter in life when they stick together and support each other and when they don't.. well that's why we have friends. But you can of course create your own family, there's nothing to stop you doing that, and these are the people who will be there for you no matter what.

The thing is with your parents it isn't really goodbye at all and not the end of the relationship. This period you have just gone through with your parents will remain and it will keep on coming back to them, time after time, after time, after time. Every holiday, every vacation, every birthday, and each and every time something happens or something is said which triggers a memory.

This is karma, the consequences of decisions, of choices, of actions.

This is why there's no need for adjectives, but for things which keep you positive and strong. This relationship doesn't end for you either, and even if you don't have to deal with your parents in contact there's still the relationship and the karma to deal with.

This has something to do with being right. Being right isn't really about thinking or doing something which is going to meet widespread acceptance and approval, but about making choices and decisions that you are fully prepared to live with.

I would be inclined to acknowledge and accept your mother's honesty and courage of conviction. This isn't because I agree with her. I don't, I just see a lot of unnecessary hassle and drama, I just see a complete lack of responsibility, a lack of compassion and humanity, and a lack of effort.

There's no magic when it comes to human relationships. You can find all the understanding, acceptance, agreement and harmony if you're prepared to make the effort and so too is the other side. As you can see, when one side is no longer prepared to make the effort, that's when it falls apart.

But I also believe in being responsible and in holding other people responsible for their choices and decisions. Karma gives you a choice. You can choose here to lash out and hit back when things don't go your way, or to threaten, to manipulate, and to coerce, or you can just accept and move on.

These aren't the things which hurt. What hurts when relationships fall apart are the unfulfilled expectations. If you keep hold of these then I feel you will be continuing the relationship with some degree of bitterness, as your parents have now chosen to do.

My suggestion is to accept everything as is. You've done everything you could, you've actually done yourself proud, but there's nothing more you can do but to accept that your parents are being responsible in their own way, doing what they feel is right, and that they are the ones who will have to live with the consequences of these choices and decisions.

Whatever you do stay strong and hang in there, be positive, but most of all be yourself.
"The truth within me is more than the reality which surrounds me."
Constantin Stanislavski

Mistakes not only provide opportunities for learning but also make good stories.
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Anna++

But wait, there's more!

Quote
One more thing ... I hope you understand when we do not invite you to <Brother>'s graduation next year or if anything happens to the grandmas (as far as funerals go).  Any money you may have inherit from us will also go to <Brother>.

Your dad is very hurt with your decisions.  I can walk away from you but he is having a hard time letting you go.
Sometimes I blog things

Of course I'm sane.  When trees start talking to me, I don't talk back.



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ZoeM

My God... This is so sad... *hugs*
Please take heart, Anna. Your parents are giving up on you without trying to understand, but that is their fault, not yours. They need to grow, emotionally, in ways they don't seem capable of doing right now. I truly hope they do, and that reconciliation eventually follows, but for now all I can offer is my tightest virtual hug, and that's hardly adequate. :(
Don't lose who you are along the path to who you want to be.








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GendrKweer

Okay. Some people are just TOXIC. They say you can't choose your children, but you also can't choose your parents. Whereas some of us were lucky enough to get supportive, loving parents, I hate to say it, but you drew a mighty short straw there. I'm so sorry. Go out, and build your own family as you see fit; there are so many out there who will love you, or do already. Find them, nurture them, be family.
Blessings,

D

Born: Aug 2, 2012, one of Dr Suporn's grrls.
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Heather

I'm really sorry Anna. Your mother is apparently a very cold woman if she can just cut one of her children off so easily. She has no right to call herself a mother after all the things she's done too you! If I was you from now on anytime she emails you I would automatically delete them without hesitation. And she will email you again despite her threats to completely cut you off! Apparently she gets off on bullying you and trying to force what she wants on you. And you don't have to take such crap from her! Go and live the life you want to live Anna and ignore your bully of a mother.
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StellaB

Sending more prayers and virtual hugs.

I don't think there's anything more to add. Your mother's words, choices and actions speak for themselves.
"The truth within me is more than the reality which surrounds me."
Constantin Stanislavski

Mistakes not only provide opportunities for learning but also make good stories.
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Antonia J

I haven't written much on your posts and updates, but have been following them pretty closely. I have seen a lot of things, and known all kinds of people. Your last post left me speechless. I don't get how your mom can be that way. It's just...mean...and not decent from a basic human being level.  It sounds like your dad has some feelings, but who knows how much control or manipulation your mom has over him.

I am sorry. Fwiw, this is wrong, and it is her problem...definitely not you. You are just you, and seem like a decent person. Nobody has a right to treat you that way.
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Anna++

Quote from: ZoeM on May 02, 2013, 01:14:54 PM
but for now all I can offer is my tightest virtual hug, and that's hardly adequate. :(

I'll take it anyway!  Thanks!

I have two more email in my "Family" gmail label and a voice mail from "Home" on my phone.  I'm ignoring everything until at least tomorrow that way dwelling on anything bad doesn't keep me awake tonight.  I'm really hoping at least one is a reply from my brother agreeing that I shouldn't be brought up around my parents next week when he's alone with them.

I've been telling myself that if I can survive my parents then I can get through anything transition related.  I'll definitely use this as fuel for forward progress :).
Sometimes I blog things

Of course I'm sane.  When trees start talking to me, I don't talk back.



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Charley Bea(EmeraldP)

Not much I can say but I also can send a big virtual hug your way in hopes it helps at least a little.


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