our gender issues often place us in peculiarly difficult positions in life which demand courageous moves to achieve our own happiness.  anything you'd like to share?

[things i lost and regained]  financial independence, employment, confidence, self-esteem,  dignity, self-respect

[people i lost] part of my family, the person i love, friends, Dante [my dog]

Things and people Ive left behind.....

Well being as I dont have anything right now I guess Im leaveing nothing behind....

People,  Im leaveing behind my family pretty much in its entirety, my band whom I love dearly but I cant take with me....(Im relocateing before the end of the month) and many many good friends....

I am very fortunate to be leaving very little behind that was of any importance to me.  The most significant item I'm leaving behind is my past.  Although it will not be forgotten, I need to live a new life that will create a new past.

I came very close to loosing my daughter, but patience seems to be working in that area.  Yes I've been lucky that I have left very little behind.

Steph

I left my family behind, especially my two sons and also my dog, a West Highland terrier called Callie.

I gained Happiness, two cats a horse and some great friends.

Buffy

I lost some really cool clothes (like a kick butt tailored suit that still hangs in the closet, just cannot get myself to donate it to charity).  Other than that I did not leave anything behind although two people opted to walk away from me.  Their loss.

Most of the stuff I hated about my life a few friends which were nothing but a bad influence on me anyway and a city I disliked living in.


What I've gained? A much better relationship with my sister now I'm not hiding anything from her, happiness in myself, academic security (my grades shot up with FT) and allot of friends who know me for who I am not my sketchy past.

Let's see, what I've lost: My parents and siblings, a failing marriage, a job with my parents, a lot of money for transition.

What I've gained: New and better employment, way too many friends to count, independence, a life as a woman, a new wardrobe, a better body, happiness and some peace of mind, my emotions, knowledge of who I really am, many, many new life experiences.

All in all, I feel I have gained more than I lost and some of the lost things may not be lost forever.  I was prepared to give up everything for transition and I really have given up about 80% of my former life.  However, almost everything has been replaced and I am happy.  About the only thing I have retained from my former life is my children and many of my friends (and a few pieces of ID ).

Melissa

I lost everything when I transitioned.  I was financially independent and all of a sudden I was poor.  I lost my family. I lost my friends.  I had nothing but a few clothes when I left Utah in 1986.  I lost my music.  I played and performed often in various venues.  I directed the church choirs.  I was excommunicated from my faith. While that event was one of the most devastating in my life, it was also an event which became liberating.

I've won most of my family back. They are all civil towards me now and I'm welcome to visit any time.  I worked and saved, and I came close to being financially independent again.  Give me a couple more years on that one.

You all know that it has been a couple of decades since my transition.  Does that make me the "oldest" here?  Perhaps.  Out of it all, I won a wonderful life.  Yes, the prize I was born to have became mine.

Cindi

Quote from: Cindi Jones on January 09, 2007, 11:45:48 AM
You all know that it has been a couple of decades since my transition.  Does that make me the "oldest" here?  Perhaps.

I think mamalee is the oldest at transitioning 40 years ago.

Melissa

I'm one of the fortunate ones. I haven't lost too much. I should say some have lost me, I didn't lose them. It was there choice, I'm still here with open arms. Financially, I'm the same. I have to say that I have gained a lot, a lot more than I lost, except for one and that would be my son. I have gain emotionally and in my confidence. I feel I have turned into a way better person than I was before. I feel I'm more outgoing and not afraid to speak up. Life is not a beech anymore, life is enjoyable.
Sheila

Everything I had as a man is gone, wife, family, friends, everything, except my job. I believe that because my physical transition went so well, body, face etc. that something bad had to happen to balance it all out.

My transition was very straightforward. I didn't lose any friends, in fact I gained them. I think one of the most rewarding things about transition was making other transsexual friends. There are some of you, who shall remained unnamed, that I love like my own sister. I would whack any fool for you.

Another thing I've gained is my compatriots on the Susan's op team. I had a roommate of mine try to explain her militaristic indoctorinization to me in the following way, "You know how you feel about your coworkers at Susans? That's what being in the military is like."

As to what I lost - just my family and my dog. It pains me terribly every day.

Bri