Time to tell

[Teri Jean]

Ladies the posts that have been offered about what, when and how have been a blessing for those of us who find themselves wanting more than CDing. I for one have found myself at the cross roads in my life where I have set up an appointment(s) with a gender therapist to help me define what I am and need as well as how far will this journey take me.

Although I still have to break the news to my daughters I think the initial session may give me a better insite as to what the next step is going to be. I have set down and outlined what I need to do in telling the girls and with that I have also outlined the same for work and the veteran organizations I belong to. the thing that I see will be a life changing event simular to the death of a loved one in that Terry will never come back and Teri will be born again into a whole new life.

I have been through a number life changing moments over the last six decades and my late wife seen this happen a couple times. She was amazed that I could do this and keep myself together. :eek:What she didn't realize was that no matter how hard I tried to fit into the gender I was born in I never fit.:sad:

So here I am in the doorstep of the life I always wished for since a young lad.
And with this moment in time I have found a couple ladies who I am forunate to have in my corner.:):) Pam and Susan have been there to talk with and help with the arrangements in seeing a good therapist. So to you both and all the girls here a big thank you is in order. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!! :love::hugs: This Wednesday I will be driving a couple hours north to the twin cities (Minnesota)
and the University of MN. Pam has offered to help me in finding the right spot and go out for lunch before hand. Susan has been with me as a close friend and confident for the better part of two years and I have to say she is a dear.:daydreaming: Pam has been so helpful I cannot thank her enough.

So girls do yourself a favor and find those close to you that are understanding and are willing to help, even if it only a shoulder to cry on or a hand to hold, and hold your head high. The future is ours and we can be whatever we want.

Huggs Teri :love::love::love:

[kalina]

If my situation was different, then I would certainly proceed to tell the whole world that I'm transsexual, but I have to do it one person at a time. So far, many people in my life know and I've been in the public eye a lot in the past, not just as a transgender figure limited to our community, but as a music producer in the so-called "straight world," too.

The only person I can honestly want to cry to about all of this is my wife and I have many times already. My commitment right now is to raise my two sons (one is coming soon) and be a daddy to them. It would be much easier to transition completely once they are adults and I find myself on that road. In the meantime, I make the most of my situation and use my androgyny to satisfy my need to present as a woman.

[Teri Jean]

Kalina,
Thank you for reponding and everyone's situation is different. If this would have been 15yrs ago I would have said basically the same thing. You take your steps as you see them and do not rush them as the fall could be very unpleasent. The thing you have is your wife who supports you thus far and the two sons to take care of. My hat or scarf goes out to you as you seem to have a balanced approach. Give your wife a hug for me and for the boys give them your love and devotion.

Huggs to you Teri

[ronny]

Teri i honor your courage. I do wish for u the very best as u pursue your future. I recall what I felt when I decided to trans. The past 5 yrs. living as a ts have been so wonderful. My family has largely been supportive and I am very grateful. You will be fine I am confident. Please consider me as another friend to u on your journey. Love people..love life!

roni

[LisaM]

Teri,

Good luck on your journey. I am sure that you have given it a lot of thought and i am sure that you will make the best of it.

[Kaitlyn Michele]

I am very happy for you!!

Telling children is emotional for all of you...hang in there no matter what happens

As you point out the telling part is the start of a new situation for all of you

All the best to you and your kids!

Michele

[janelle]

Hey Teri, you will like it there. You will only be blocks from the dome. Maggie or Catie will be at the front desk & they are super girls. I believe you will love the help they give you. If you pay right away you get a discount. Let me know who you get for a therapist. Dr. Feldmen is the medical Dr. there & is in only on Mondays & Thuirsdays. Good luck dear.

Hugs,
Janelle

[Teri Jean]

Janelle,
Thanks for the encouragement, my Dr. is Dr.Bockting. Pamela is meeting me for lunch before hand and then I will be off for the first day of the rest of my life. WoooHoooo! I would be kidding if I said I'm not nervous but the help everyone has given me is so gratefully accepted. It's like I just got the doll I wanted and was able to wear the pink easter dress my sister wore. Thank you again and I will write down the receptionist's names and be sure to say hi from you all.

Huggs Teri

[pamela_a]

Hi Sis, not much longer to go :cheer::cheer:

And Janelle is right, the girls at the desk are really sweet.

See you soon.

Hugs

-Pam-

[MelissaSue]

It's fun to see how excited you are, Teri. I've researched the clinic there myself and talked with some of the staff by phone. They seem to be very helpful. Safe travels, both to the Cities and in the days ahead!

[Teri Jean]

Update, I went to our HR department and had a wonderful meeting with our director about my desire to transition and my upcoming therapy session(s). She wanted to know what I needed from her and her office so we talked about education of faculty and staff that I work with and for. We talked about my at work and away from work support groups. Of course I mentioned my family here as well as family and friends.

To say the least I walked out of the office feeling very good that there was going to be help each step of the way. Thanks for all your support and kindness.

Teri

[Sejd]

Hi Teri Jean
Nice post. Just remember that telling your daughters is not a one time thing or fix, it is a long process and if it goes over well, it can be very rewarding. All three of our children have accepted me as Sejd. It took some time but it happened. They are in their twenties but to my luck very broad minded and accepting of me. You are on your way girl. I wish you so much success and happiness.
hugs
Sejd

[Teri Jean]

Sejd,
Thank you, you are right and they probably know more than I realize, My baby for 31yrs came over the other day and seen my toenails needed to be touched up s she sat on the floor and did them. When my oldest came in to stay the next wekend she said she had talked with her sister but they seen no problem. They maybe shocked but they are my girls.

Huggs Teri

[janelle]

Hello Teri, I am very glad for you. I too see Dr. Bockting. He is great but doesa have an accent. I believe he said he was from Norway or someplace like that. It is easy to find & you can park in the ramp by the main door but it does cost unless the gate is up when you leave. Hope all goes well for you & I am here to chat if you so wish.

Hugs for luck girl,
Janelle

[Sejd]

That's exactly what I was thinking about. Your kids if they love you - they love you no matter how you present yourself. You will be just fine.