Out to my sister and brother

[Eringirl]

Well, it has been a long day. Up at 3:00 am to drive to the airport to fly to see my sister and brother. It is now late at night and I am super tired but super happy, so had to post. Will keep it brief. I felt, for me , this was a conversation to be done in person and not over the phone or by email, so here I am. (Staying at my sisters).

I had the "talk" with my sister and brother in law this afternoon and my brother and his wife this evening (with my sister and her husband present) informing them of my separation from my wife and my divorce. They were very sad about the divorce but will get over that.

They are all 1000% behind me on transitioning. They said they will do anything that is needed to help me through it. They were very upset to learn how long I had struggled with it and there were tears of sorrow that I was so unhappy and lost for so long in my life. Now that I am going to be able to be who I really am, they couldn't be more thrilled. All tolled, about 4 hours of serious conversations with thoughtful questions and comments and the occasional joke! (You gotta have a sense of humor around this sometimes!)

Everyone was listening and providing very thoughtful commentary. It was terrific! They are still digesting many aspects of this, so there will be more questions over the next few days while I am here, but that is all good. I have told them that nothing is out of bounds and that I will respond to all of their questions truthfully and to the best of my ability.

They decided to have a celebratory dinner tomorrow night to welcome Erin "into the family". So it is all good. I am so blessed. More to follow. Thanks for listening. But I need some sleep! :)

[Julie Denier]

How wonderful - so happy for you! ;)

[Kris Avery]

Erin,
So happy for you.
Life is good when you can do that...I hear:o

[SuzanneS]

That sounds awesome, Erin!

I'm so glad that it worked out well for you!

Suzanne

[PretzelGirl]

:love: Love great family stories. May they continue!

[charlenesomeone]

Wonderful happy story, so happy for you.

[kimdl93]

It sounds like you have a wonderful family.

[Dianne S]

Congratulations, Erin. It's a wonderful feeling to emerge from hiding.

[I Am Paula]

:hugs:
Wonderful news. I know you have been coming out for a while. Is this all of them now?
Acceptance is the greatest gift our families can give us in what is still an extraordinary event.

[Leah Lynn]

Family support is so great! Glad to hear they're behind you.

Hugs,

Leah

[Karen62]

Erin, what a wonderful story. Cherish these people. Let them know how much they mean to you and how important it is to you for them to be in your life. Sadly, your experience is not universal. While I have had very positive experiences coming out to friends so far, it's been a definite mixed bag with family. I fear my one and only blood sibling may have abandoned me over my recent coming out. But my mother has been totally supportive from the get-go, and my father and step-mother are coming around quite quickly (much more quickly than I expected). Not sure if my brother and sister-in-law are permanently gone or just temporarily so, but in my eyes, it's their decision to make, and I will move forward with my life regardless of their actions. I cannot see it any other way.

I love your positive spirit, my friend. It's infectious. Keep doing what you're doing, and I think you'll be fine!

Karen

[TorieGG]

Happy for you that your family is embracing the "new" you.

[Barbara Ella]

So happy for you Erin. I cannot ever see me doing this with my brothers and sister, but it does hurt to avoid them. No telling what the future may bring, but yours is so much happier now. can your smile get any bigger?

Hugs, Barbara

[Eringirl]

Thanks all!

Paula: yes, that is everyone except for a nephew who works in Africa, who just got back from Russia, so my brother is going to tell him the next time they connect, and my niece and her family in San Fransisco. They are away as well, but will do a video chat with them later this week. So,yup, everyone is covered.

Last night we had a marvelous dinner together, my sister, her husband, my brother, his wife, and two of my brothers daughters (in their 20s). They welcomed me as Erin into the family with a lovely toast with pink champagne, and we talked about normal everyday things throughout the evening. They had a few more questions and thoughts which we all talked about, but basically it was just a big family dinner. Both my sister and sister in law had my mothers jewelry (she passed away last month) so they brought it out and they wanted very much to divide it three ways now, among "all the daughters". That was very touching.

So I go back home today, light in heart, strong in spirit and focused in conviction. I'll tell ya, that is the best money I ever spent on a plane ticket!!! :D

Thanks again. The encouragement, advice and support from so many here helped to make this possible. Thank you....thank you all.

[Bria]

Erin you have a wonderful sister and sister in law. Dividing your late mother's jewelry with you is an act that speaks much louder than any words can. When I read that I was instantly consumed with happy tears for you, I can hardly read the screen now!

I will continue to remember you in my prayers.

Hugs, Bria

[becky77]

That's great Erin family support really helps in this. Shame you aren't closer.

[Jennifer-GWN]

Erin;

Just out of the mountains... Truly wonderful to here that everything went well as I know you were concerned to a degree about some aspect of the news.

Yes indeed... It wonderful having the love and support of family.

So as they say cat is out of the bag...

Wonderful news and will pave the way forward nicely.

Cheers... Jennifer

[PretzelGirl]

Erin, priceless is the right word. I am teary eyed now.

[Giselle(Oshawa)]

Erin so glad you siblings and nieces are behind you sis
give them all a big hug for me and you have kind thoughts
and prayers for a successful transition.

[Amanda22]

Erin,

You have got a great family! I'm impressed with your resilience, I must say. I'm rooting for you from Tennessee.