This little piece of fiction is dedicated to Gill, Togetherwecan, and other SO's who have supported their spouses with their love and kindness.  Those of us who aren't so lucky to have such loving support admire your strength, tenacity, hope, and love. 


A NOTE FROM KAREN

To my darling Dave/Jessica:

I'm crying as I write this – I hope you don't mind the tear stains on the paper.  I just wanted to let you know how proud I was of you at Dr. Brashears' office yesterday.

When you walked in as Jessica in your turtleneck, skirt, and boots, I was taken aback initially.  After all, I'd only known about her for a week.  As the three of us began to chat, though, I realized what you said was true.  You really are Jessica, and there's nothing that any of us can do to re-write history for you.  You have been living a lie.  I'm so sorry that this has been buried so deeply within you for so long. 

Jessica, I love you.  I will always love you.  The cover that was Dave is history now – and it's ok.     

Will that change our history?  No. Our "best friendship", the part that has been so satisfying for us, will continue on. (I'll still never forgive you for throwing me in the pool at our wedding reception, though!)

I've done a lot more reading today, and I realize how many hurdles that you have to cross.  You are so brave!  There's so much that you need to do – voice retraining, wardrobe, learning how to do makeup (I can help you how to do that), surgeries.  I will be there for all of it, particularly for your surgeries.   

No matter what happens, I'm here.  I just wanted you to know that as Jessica, you're still numero uno in my heart.  I love you.

Hugs,
Karen