After a long weekend and alot of reflection as well as much advice from some of you here at Susan's,  I woke up Tuesday morning with my mind made up that this day I was going to have a conversation with my sister in England.  I was not anxious or even worried.  I felt calm and had my wits about me. I garnered alot of my strength from @TanyaG and @Lilis conversations.  I was following them through the days and knew that I could do this. These two ladies didn't know it but they were also building my confidence in another direction. So I knew I was ready. I have to use messenger to contact her. They are 4 hours ahead of us here in Virginia.  I message her then we go to facetime or whatever it's called. So I wait no reply. I wait all damn day nothing. I'm  like nfw.

I can't believe this. So the day goes by and out of the blue I recieve 2 seperate text messages.  I'm suprised to see they are from my grand daughter and her mom. I have not heard from my grand daughter since mid November 24 and her mom since October 24.
My trans daughter is the parent of my grand daughter. Anyways I text the mother back and one thing leads to another and I have always treated her like my own daughter., I am telling her my situation.  I felt so comfortable and it was all so normal conversation and she was so very accepting. I can't say how good this made me feel. I asked her to have a conversation with my grand daughter.  After this conversation me and my grand daughter talked. To bring to close. I just can't believe this all happened just so smooth and like that. It's like someone was making this happen.
I decided not to talk to my sister yet, even though she eventually this morning replied.

Well I just had to share. I know I could not have talked to these 2 important people in my life with out everyone here being here for me and everyone else. I am so grateful. 🫂 🤗

@Annaliese

Thank you for your update.

It is always nice to read our members GOOD NEWS 

HUGS, Danielle [Northern Star Girl]

Annaliese, this is an update that makes my day. Sometimes the Universe gives you what you need instead of what you want, and what a gift you got.

Thank you so much for sharing it. Hearing about it helps lessen the dread (low-key but still real) of talking to my mother about my path.

You continue to inspire me with your growth and confidence.

🫂 Pema

What a wonderful post Annalise!!! Congrats on all the good that flowed from your courageous step forward... You will find that each brave step encourages the next!

Onward Brave Sister!

Ashley 💕

Quote from: Annaliese on May 28, 2025, 06:00:23 PMI am telling her my situation.  I felt so comfortable and it was all so normal conversation and she was so very accepting. I can't say how good this made me feel. I asked her to have a conversation with my grand daughter.  After this conversation me and my grand daughter talked. To bring to close. I just can't believe this all happened just so smooth and like that. It's like someone was making this happen.

Sometimes it's down to the confidence to make it happen and getting the timing right, so what a wonderful result!

One of the things I've always noticed is how much easier it is to talk trans to Gen Z than it is to Boomers,  but that's a generalisation. I came out to virtually everyone in my family because it was easier to do it than not and the Boomer generation were all like, 'And?' They're almost all doctors, which might explain it, but one couple are quite conservative and even they were, 'So what does this change, exactly?' so it was quite funny I took so long to tell them in retrospect. Yet if I'd done it even ten years ago, I don't think they'd have been so relaxed.

The exception that proves the rule is that the member of our family who has been the most vocal about correcting others on LGBTQ rights was the only one who was 'I don't even want to be hearing this,' which led to everyone doing a WTF! The conservative couple I mentioned had been subject to lectures from her over the years about all kinds of attitudes they shouldn't have about LGBTQ and yet the lecturer turned out to be less accepting than they were when it had to be done in practice.

There's a lesson in there somewhere if only I could think of what it is! Good on you for getting it done with your family.

Quote from: Annaliese on May 28, 2025, 06:00:23 PMI was not anxious or even worried.  I felt calm and had my wits about me. I garnered alot of my strength from TanyaG and Lilis conversations.  I was following them through the days and knew that I could do this. These two ladies didn't know it but they were also building my confidence in another direction. So I knew I was ready.

Oh Annaliese, my heart is full reading your words. 🫂

It means so much to know that anything TanyaG or I said helped light a path for you...

... but truly, you did this. 💗🎊

You trusted your timing, you stood in your truth, and the universe responded with such gentle affirmation.

Like eyes in the sky, indeed.

I am so happy for you, and thank you, for reading and following our story!

Thank You

~ Lilis 💗🎈

Quote from: Annaliese on May 28, 2025, 06:00:23 PMWell I just had to share. I know I could not have talked to these 2 important people in my life with out everyone here being here for me and everyone else. I am so grateful. 🫂 🤗

I just want to say something about this, Anna. And this applies to other people here, too.

Every oak tree starts from an acorn. A seed inside. Fragile, afraid, unsure. But this seed knows what is possible. This seed knows what can be, what they can become. Through light, and nurture, and sustenance, this seed grows into the mighty oak. Proud, vibrant, tall and majestic. Though there are times this tree may meet obstacles, the roots dig deeper and the branches find new ways to grow. To strive to hold their arms out to the world and say "Here I am".

We all have that acorn, Anna. It's your heart. Inside you know what you are capable of. Who you can become. And nothing and no one can stop you.

The people here are often the light, and the rain, and the nourishment to help you grow. But you are the one with the strength to be so much more than that little acorn. That strength and purpose is always inside you, okay? It's part of who you are. Never forget that. During times in your life where others may not be around. Never forget you have that desire and will to grow inside you. No matter what. The forces of nature can't be stopped.

You are beautiful.

And I am so proud of you, Annaliese.

Annaliese,
That is such wonderful news. I am so happy for you. It must be a huge comfort for you that your daughter and granddaughter are both accepting of the path you are taking.
I wish I too could share with my family and, who knows, perhaps some day I will.
Your story certainly fills me with warmth and encouragement.

Hugs,
Ciara.