Sheila and all the supporting GG's and SO's,
There have been three people in my life that without their unconditional love, guidance and support I would not be alive today. First and foremost was my late wife and second my mother who is still alive.
Since my wife passed away, I have been very fortunate to have the company of a totally accepting GG friend/companion, a well known person active in several alt. lifestyle orgs., with a long track record as an advocate for TG and other repressed minorities rights. She has opened many doors and I have met some extraordinary people. She is mentor/friend/companion and my debt to her is enormous.
In general, I do understand very well that truly supporting GG's are extremely rare, especially those who also find time to contribute on forums in an attempt to help strangers. Because there are so few GG's available and so many CDs whose needs are so great, it is no surprise that the load can often become too great for so few to bear, especially when they must also deal with day to day affairs in the real world.
Why bother? I participate in the forums to offer support when there is an opportunity. Unlike most people here, the most common issues are no longer relevant to me, but I do remember how things were and I can make some comments that may be of value based on current circumstances.
I like to think someday when I am gone, someone may remember something someone/I said on this forum, and it saved their life.
At times I am inconsiderate, sometimes I am a fool and I am often abstruse, but when I have clarity, at the core, there resides a compassionate being. So being aware, I have no choice. That is why I bother...
and why I think you and many others do the same.
Addition: " She ain't heavy she's my sister"
dd