October 19th, 2007

I got an email from a high school classmate wishing me well and letting me know he has family in San Franciso should I need anything.  I haven't had a chance to speak to this individual, so he only knows what is out there on the grapevine.  It made me feel really good that he's supportive and took the time to contact me.  Things like that mean alot.

It's amazing how much those short phrases like, 'good luck' and 'I hope everything goes well', and 'I'll be thinking of you' can make someone feel better.  When my sister died earlier this year, everyone said, 'sorry for your loss' , and 'sorry to hear about your sister'.  Yes, it does make it go over easier.  I guess my message here is that it's worth taking the time to say something positive.  :)

Speaking of being supportive, I know that many people have been behind me.  Some people 'get it' that I'm really a woman, and have had this gender dissonance my whole life and these steps are brining my psyche into alignment.  Other people don't understand it, but are willing to just believe what I say about it.  Either way, they accept me.  But it seems to me there is another category out there if you will, of those who don't 'get it' and still have a hard time seeing me as female.  They'll talk to me about it intellectually, and have read opposing view points and try to figure it all out, allowing that perhaps I'm just crazy and all this is just wrong.  But whether they can see eye to eye with me on what I feel or agree on theories they still end up saying, 'I want you to be happy, so good luck out there'.  It must be hard to extend your friendship to someone who you don't necessarily agree with.  So I'm also extending my appreciation to those of you who feel that way too.

Ok, a few last minute tasks to do before I relax and wait for my trip to start!  I'm excited of course, and looking forward to all this (well, recovery will be lousy, but I'll roll with it).