Howdy everyone! Sorry I've been a bit absent but work and life has been a bit of a bear lately. So, tonight I had "the talk" with my 13 year old son and my 11 year old daughter. It went amazingly well, despite/instead of my soon-to-be ex-wife. It was the first of many conversations, I'm sure, so we didn't go very deep or wide into the topic but we talked about me transitioning, what that would look like, and how they've already seen parts of that (me getting my ears pierced, growing my hair out, etc). I asked them how they felt about it and my daughter said "strange" - so we talked a bit about how that was totally fine. How it may feel wierd at times, strange and a lot of different emotions may come up as we all work through this transition. They seemed ok with that. We talked about how this was a part of me being happy & healthy and that it is important to focus on what is on the inside. And that my love for them will never diminish. I am concerned, however, on how T will address questions when I am not around. She is still stuck thinking this is some phase... that I'm in a dissociative state caused by combat PTSD and that the reason I'm transitioning is that I can't look at myself in the mirror because of the things I did in Iraq (cough, cough BULLSHIT). But, I can't control what she says or doesn't say. What I can control is how I show my kids that I love them, that I'm healthy, happier than ever, and that I will always be there for them. Forward progress... Also, I had a great long weekend with my sister in Telluride! We went shopping, had a mani/pedi, went paddle-boarding, hot-tubbing, and even went to the pool (YES, I wore a swimsuit in MF'ing public!!). Lots of progress over this past week. Hugs to you all, Em
Congratulations, there is something so awe inspiring about how you are able to respond so beautifully and with such grace and wisdom to such complicated and challenging situations. I hope tbat T does act in a responsible way and thinks first of all of the children and how important it is that they develop positive views of the journey that you are going through. It sounds like you had such a lovely time with your sister, I'm so happy for you that she is supportive and accepting! (*hug*)
Congrats. Great to hear about your sister and the kids. And T sounds like my mom, except I haven't been in Iraq.
