Awake in a New Reality

[Danielle.N]

Deleted

[Maria in heels]

Danielle...I can only smile and know how "relieved" you must be, especially since everything "seemed" to work out...it is wonderful that you no longer have to "hide" and you were able to discuss and more importantly, express your thoughts and feelings to your family. If I were you, I wouldn't let my sister get out of shopping with you !

[jennifer easton]

Danielle your so blessed to have parents of such understanding and insight, I to am hidden from my side of the family, I'm out to all of my girl friends side, they all except me for me, on my side there's only my son and grandson, mom and step dad, none of these would under stand at all, Son is Son, Dads Dad, and Papaw is Papaw, no room for going to the pink side!!

[Jay Cee]

I'm so glad to hear that it worked out so well for you, Danielle. Your parents are pretty cool.

[Philipa Jane]

Dear Danielle.
I thought this was a truly touching story.
You are very fortunate to have such a supportive family, if only this could be the same for all of us.
I hope things continue with your good fortune.

PJ

[Heather_Marie]

Danielle that is an amazing story I am so happy for you, you have an amazing family I bet you and your sister and going to have a lot to talk about in the future.

[TJ Tresa]

You are lucky to have such understasnding parents. the only person in my family who knows about TJ TResa is my loving wife. Sometimes I wish they all did, but then I am not exactly feminine enough looking to pass in public so i keep it at home.
I wish you the best of luck in the future.

[Frédérique]

The hardest points to get across were the fact that I don’t know why I do this, or why I could never quit. It was also hard for them to understand why a guy, who is attracted to women and has typically masculine interests, can have such a desire to dress as a female.

Yeah, that’s the sticking point, and you can rest assured that your crossdressing is inexplicable and will remain so, regardless of how accepting your family may be. Why dress as a woman? How about, “It feels good”? A man needs to step away from being a “guy” on occasion, if only for the relief it brings. In many cases, desire has a lot to do with it, but not always. I just came out to my sister last month, so I my little “talk” was well-rehearsed...


Unbelievable…I just told them I like to dress as a woman, and she makes a big deal over a cigarette?

You don’t suppose these are repressed or misplaced feelings about your recent disclosure; coming out in another, more convenient and explainable way, do you? Just wondering…


Dad talked about our hunting trip in Georgia in January – seems I’m still going! – reminding me I need to get my rifle sighted in.

I can almost hear your father breathing a sigh of relief…:sigh:

[Tasha Meredith]

Wow! Reading this is very encouraging. I feel like a one-on-one with mom and dad is going to be in my future as well. I can't even begin to imagine what will happen, but hearing your words will be an inspiration. It's time for some honesty.

[carhill2mn]

I am fairly sure that all of us here are happy for you. You are indeed fortunate to have such an understanding (even if they do not totally understand) and supportive family. Your sister's reaction is quite amazing!

[SusanCACD]

Jeez, That was well written, I am crying.......
Susan

[Kaz]

Danielle,

What you have written is very very moving and I am sure has touched everyone who has read it. Thank you so much for sharing this.

I am sure things will go well with you... Danielle now has a solid supporting family, just as her alter-ego has always had.

[Kathryn Martin]

It is wonderful and not so surprising

[S. Lisa Smith]

Excellent!! I'm glad your parents are so understanding!!

[Mary Morgan]

Sounds to me like you are a good person and a loving child to your folks. Sounds to me like they know that. Sounds to me like dressing is usually a bigger issue when there are lots of other issues. Sounds to me like you have done well. Good on you. Now quit smoking!

[Annaliese2010]

That was a lovely story Danielle. You have a WON-derful fam! Lucky girl, you. I'm glad for ya! :)

[Krysta]

Wow! i knew everything would be okay, sounds like you handled it very well! Congrats!!!!!!! OMG shopping with sis! awesome! so happy for you!

[Patty B.]

What a great family to be a part of, kind of hard to relate, didn't have that type of family. You also have a good understanding of what all this means. Way to go, very proud of you.

[S. Lisa Smith]

Just a quick note to thank everyone for the kind words and support!

It's easy to get caught up in this release, but please make no mistake - I have kept it in the proper context. This was a big victory, and I do appreciate the level of acceptance that was offered me, much more than I could have hoped for or expected.

I do, however, recognize that this is just a step and not an end-all resolution with my parents. I know it is possible that once they actually see, even though are very eager to, they may be overwhelmed and recant some of this support. Although they requested no boundaries, I will impose my own. I have not won a free pass to make all our time together about the dressing. I just know now they won't disown me or turn me away from their door.

You are showing great wisdom!!

[Slip Affinity]

What a great and understanding family you have.

[Raychel]

WOW, What a great story. I am thinking that it is close to time for me to do that very same thing with my family. And your story very closely matches my life. I can only hoipe that when I do have the talk, that the outcome is the same.

You have a great family there.

[BrendaAlexandra]

What a great family you have. You're mother, having years of experience dressing the way we all like to, knows that it isn't harmful to one's health. Smoking on the other hand is, hence her concern and comments.

[Jorja]

Congratulations Danielle and thank you for sharing. Having the support of thoes who love you the most is the thing dreams are made of in our world. I know it is a huge weight off of your shoulders. I am glad to see that you are keeping things in the proper context and know that things could change at anytime. That being said, run around the corner and do a quick celebration dance while you can :D.

[GirlieAmanda]

This is inspiring and very real life. You really did a very good thing for yourself. It must feel like a giant weight has been lifted. I will take this story and keep it inside for when my day comes.

[Marissa]

Danielle, I'm happy that you decided to share your story with all others on the site. Its a 'good' feel story on courage and family, an inspiration for many :)

Thank you for sharing..

Hugs,
Marissa

[Annaliese2010]

It's easy to get caught up in this release, but please make no mistake...This was a big victory... I do, however, recognize that this is just a step and not an end-all resolution...they may be overwhelmed and recant some of this support...I have not won a free pass..Yes, it is easy to focus on the positive outcome of what was your very honest, trusting and courageous revelation and forget about all the worry and stress and doubt and uncertainty, day by day month by month, year after year, leading up to that one critical move by you. Unnerving, really, when you step back and look at the big picture: a life long issue with no simple resolution - an ongoing battle of self acceptance and the need to be accepted by those you truly care about or love. Standard fare for many if not most transgendered individuals

Reading a story like yours is so nice because it is how we all wish we would be treated by those who are important to us (well, except me as I am important to no one except for the material $upport I throw down - and so I've learned to not allow any one to become very important to me, lol). But I digress... Point is, YOU should be acknowledged for your strength of character, independence, honesty and sensitivity as is so clearly illustrated by your narrative.

Yes, it was nice to see how your parents are genuinely intelligent, ethical, enlightened and loving! And that's wonderful and refreshing to see! Your exchange almost sounded like the kind of ideal families that were depicted in television programs decades ago. Where parental thoughtfulness, respect and caring precludes a rush to judgment about some issue that challenges their understanding, but because it is important to a son or daughter they will instead pause, consider and reevaluate their own potential biases. Such people are "real" i.e. free of bigotry and ignorance, intelligent, and not blinded by absolute moralistic doctrine.

True, your family is certainly above the norm. They are essential individuals. Also true is the fact that you too have such wonderful character traits! Beyond thoughtfulness, sensitivity, intelligence and respect, you are one courageous (and very pretty) girl! I think that should be acknowledged. Kudos to you Danielle! By anyone's standard you're a person to be admired.

[Cassandra Lynn]

What a truly inspiring and wonderful thread Danielle, this story is just so very refreshing and hope giving. I also must say that your follow up post is just as inspiring, it shows just how solid your head is on your shoulders, just as your folks said to you. No need to worry about the bad side of pink fog getting to you.
I too got very emotional reading along, having lost my Mother 5 yrs ago and not having any sisters, i can't help but be envious of you. Please do enjoy it no matter the final outcome and try not to regret the past, this thing that we are is not easy to handle.
Forgive the mistakes and rejoice in the future!

Oh, and have a good hunting trip with your Father, it'll be a good time to reforce that bond.
mj (Cassie)

[Jorja]

Speaking of hunting trips..... I was at Wal Mart over the weekend. They have pink camo hunting gear. ;)

[Jamie Parks]

I hardly ever reply, I usually just read, but I have to say your story was so touching it made me tear up. I always knew coming out to my Mom was going to be no big deal but...my Father would have been a different story, i never got the chance to tell him, he passed away very suddenly back in late 2001...but reading your story gave me the hope that just maybe he would have reacted like your did. I am so happy things worked out for you!

[zoe m]

thanks for sharing, that's a great story, rings true w/ a lot that's been on my mind too... :)