|
|
|
|
|||
|
|
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
ramblings |
With a Little Help From My ...
2002.08.26
Friends.
Friends come and they go, but I'm so glad for having known them. Without them I would not be able to be here writing this. Friends have been my strength through this most trying time. And I owe a debt to a bunch of these people.
My support group.
This was where Amber first was welcomed and not shunned. In those very early stages I could have been shut out from support groups and it would have only made me retract further from confronting my inner self. I got advice, made a few connections, and made a few good friends. This led to meeting even more people and making a few more friends. It reassured me that I was hardly alone in this. It gave me a sounding board and let me see how people were really dealing with this in real life. Thanks, support group.
My trans friends and "allies".
You guys are awesome and you know who you are. I've met you mostly through support groups and through the Internet, but sometimes from friends of friends. You all encouraged me and took me out of my shell kicking and screaming. (I still do that from time to time.) You helped stretch my boundaries and cut through my fears. You were patient, an ear I can whine to, and a cool group of people to hang with. You got me out into the world and allowed me to find my place as Jane Q. Public in malls, restuarants, and movie theaters. You took me to meet your parents and other friends. You and I have spent countless hours on the phone and even put up with me having to juggle two conversations at the same time. You've kept me up writing on message boards until 4:00a in the morning laughing and crying. You've kept me sane when I needed a little support. Thanks, all.
My long-time friends and roommates.
I know I should thank you in person and I'll do that eventually, but I owe you guys a special debt. I was scared witless for so much time because I didn't know how you would react. And now that you know what's going on in my life and you haven't all totally run for the hills screaming I have had a huge weight lifted off my tired shoulders. The tension of having to live a secret life was just overwhelming. Being able to be around you guys in Guy Mode, Girl Mode, or What-The-Heck-Are-You-Right-Now-And-Would-You-Stop-Changing-Your-Voice-Because-It's-Freaking-Me-Out Mode is a type of freedom that is hard to capture into words. Even if we don't agree on things, the fact that you're still here is more than enough. You all have made my transition so much easier. Knowing that you haven't run away makes me happy in a way that's hard to describe with words. Thanks, guys.
My two biggest friends: Mom and Dad.
Hey, we have a long ways to go and I hope we won't lose the relationship that we've renewed. I have succeeded because you've helped me all along the way. You kept a roof over my head, fed me nutritious vittles (But what's up with tofu, cauliflower, and eggplant?! Yechhh!!! Honestly!), packed knowledge into my head, made sure I got to know my extended family, got me my first car, taught me how to make an omlette, got me to use a computer, showed me how to play the piano (and flute, and coronet, and guitar, and saxophone, and ...) and helped me stay in college. I still remember you tucking me into bed and telling me you loved me. So many memories I still carry in a little album in my head. Thanks so much Mom and Dad.
|
 |
 |
|
|