The cat is out of the bag,

[Raychel]

I feel so relieved, Everyone that matters knows about Raychel now, My loving wife, all 3 of my boys 17, 19 and 24, he youngest ones girlfriend. and the middle ones friend.
My youngest sister. Everyone that may stop over our house knows.

My 3 boys took it very well.
When I told the oldest one, why I was locked in my office at time, He said he thought I was looking at porn. I suspected he knew already, it did not really phase him at all.

the youngest was the one I told next. we were in the car on the way to his girlfriends house, I told him that I like to dress in women's clothes sometimes. He said he did not know, but I suspected otherwise. No other comments or questions from he, he changed the subject to the moron driving in front of us.

Middle son was last to be told, He pretty much knew as well, he was just more curious why I though that I needed to tell him now. I just told him that I did not like secrets and didn't want to be hiding anymore.

next was my youngest sons girlfriend, I told her in in instant messaging, She seemed Ok, and said that she has seen worse, more like whatever. She is a very smart and ice girl. Not really expecting any comments or issues from her.

Last was our middle sons friend, He is a nice young man, in his early 20's, Totally crazy. But in a great way, He is always laughing and just plain having good fun.
He stopped by the house tonight, while I was dressed, I was in the bathroom and hid, until he was gone. Then I sent him a text saying that I was just coming out of the bathroom when he was leaving. I am the only one home at this time.
He asked if I needed a buddy tonight. I sent him back a text explaining the real reason why I did not go to the door. It was only a few seconds later that my phone rang and he was laughing his butt off. Not believing me at all. I told him I was dead serious, He continued to laugh. I made his day, Gave him a good laugh for the day.
I am totally good with that.

Now everyone that may stop in that matters, knows.
Anyone else that may stop in here. I don't really care how they find out.

Up until this point, everyone has taken it just fine.

The only one last person that needs to know is Dad,.
not sure when or how I will tell him. But after all we have been thru,
I will bet he will be OK as well.

Just wanted to tell my story.

[Kelley]

I'm so glad everything went so well. It's wonderful to not have to hide

Hugs Kelley

[Barbara Ella]

Raychel, this is wonderful. Whenever any layer of the hiding or secrecy is lifted, it is so positive.

Barbara

[Emogene]

I am not sure of the words to use, congratulations comes to mind but doesn't seem quite right!

I a very pleased and happy for you, have joy and contentment the rest of your days! Really, that is all any of us can hope for out of life!

[Raychel]

Thanks for your kind support, I think all will be good from here on.

Of course there will still be the shock factor when one by one they get to see me dressed
But we will deal with that when it happens.

[DAVIDA]

Raychel, you have come along way in the couple of years that I have known you.
I am so glad that things are working out the way you want them to.
It is much easier when people know and you don't have to do the "quick change" while running down the hall like I used to do.
I bet that the home life is a lot less stressful now.

[Kalista Jameson]

Hi Raychel,

Congrats on everything. It is such a liberating feeling to share this with people whether they get it or not. So far my brother, mother and two best male friends know who are all very accepting. I don't need to screen my conversation with one friend in particular and flat out tell him yeah dude as soon as you head out I'm slipping into pantyhose and a cute skirt and just have him laugh, say, 'nice' and tap knuckles on his way out.

I can't wait to be fully open with all in my world. I certainly have the confidence to, but find it strategic to wait with some until later. Because those who know are cool and accepting, they have no difficulty keeping it quiet from those who don't. I am blessed for sure.

Cheers!

Kalista

[Suzie S.]

Raychel, you have definitely turned your experiences into a positive for all of us on this fourm. Being truthful, open and honest with everyone we care about is the correct path. You are a good role model!

All of us come from different backgrounds, and every situation is different. Some of us need to keep the closet door shut, and some of us live in secrecy. I, and all of us here should respect an individual's decision.

But, what you have done, shows us that most of the fear we have is contrived in our own minds. Bravo for you!

[Raychel]

Thanks for your replys.

Davida, I have changed a lot over the last 8 yars while being on ths forum.
And I have to give credit where credit is due, If it wasn't for this forum and the
great friends I have made here, I would still be sneaking around in the darkness of the closet.
Still praying that I didn't get caught. I have to say that my life has gotten so much
better because of the courage and insight that this forum has given me.

Kalista, You are so right, it is very liberating. Thanks for you input here.
You will know when the time is right to tell the people that you need to
And when you do, I hope it all goes as well for you as it has for me.

Suzie, Thanks for your words of encouragement. I don't know about the role model part.
I just am doing what I feel I need to in order to be comfortable with my life.
You are right every situation is different, and there will be those that feel they will need to stay
in secrecy for ever. All that really matters is that every person can live there lives and be comfortable doing it
If that means staying in hiding,that is fine, But I only hope that those that do tell there story have great
reactions from those they tell as well.

[kimdl93]

Very glad that it went so well for you!

[LynnR]

Really glad to read how well it's gone for you, Raychel. I wish I could do the same as you. As Suzi S. says above, unfortunately sometimes the closet door has to stay shut.

[Raychel]

Thanks for your comments, It is true, Sometimes the door just needs to stay closed.
I just got tired of hiding behind it and running to change in a panic.

[LynnR]

Very well done for dealing with it, Raychel. It must have been so difficult and stressful, but the relief must be wonderful.

[daviolin]

Good for you girl. I did the same about 4 years ago. I told everyone in the family. I got my cards on the table so to speak. It was the best decision I've made. Everyone was cool with it. There were a few glitches. But they got ironed out eventually. Daviolin

[Kristy 56]

Raychel what a relief I'm sure. Happy for you !

[Raychel]

Keep the comments coming, Thanks. It is a huge relief. Sure there has been stresses
and I am sure there will be bumps coming down the road. But with all the cards on
the table. If someone does happen to drive up. I will no longer be running for cover.
I am so happy this is out.

Thanks for all your support.

[Beverley Sims]

Good for you Rachael, I hope life will be smoother for you now.

[Rianna Humble]

It must be a great relief now that everyone knows, but I also know how much it must have cost you in courage and worry whilst you were letting them know.

I'm really glad it went so well

[PretzelGirl]

It is always a great feeling when we can come out and it is a totally positive experience. There will always be a tug-of-war over whether there is a need to tell or not. But this is yet another great story. Good for your Raychel. And I agree, from all my memories of your prior postings, this is a big change. I am glad you were able to do it and all ends well.

[Raychel]

Thanks for your kind words, So far everything has been cool, No real changes to this point.
But just knowing that everyone knows is a huge relief off my mind. I no longer have to run and hide
if someone shows up at the door.

[Claire Cook]

Raychel,

I just wanted to say Thanks! for posting this. The guilt, the angst, the anxiety that we feel when we don't want to be found out is such a stressful part of cd'ing. As you've said, it must be a big relief to get this behind you, and I'm sure it will make a positive difference in your life. I know that I treasure those friends that I've come out to, and their acceptance - or at least tolerance -- of Claire. Now I'm wondering when to come out to my family and neighbors...

[Raychel]

You are so right Claire, This has already made a positive difference in my life. I am already a lot more
comfortable in my own house.

You will know when the right time is to come out to those that need to know.
Thanks for your input