Damned if I Know!

Monday, May 29, 2006

Memorial Day, Diana T. and A Word About Me

Memorial Day

I'm not usually very enthusiastic about Holidays, for a variety of reasons. Memorial Day is one of the exceptions. This is a day to honor the men and women who have fought to protect our freedom. Not just the dead, but those who survived to return to their families.

Five of my Uncles served in WWII. My Father served in Korea, shipping out just 5 days after I was born. He didn't see me again until I was 14 moths old. Two of my Cousins and several classmates served in Viet Nam. In all of that not one was killed. Only two were wounded, but all returned to civilian life with the invisible scars that the horror of war carved on each of them. I was spared those horrors despite being drafted in 1972, the last Selective Service draft. An auto accident left me "Unfit for duty." I have always had mixed feelings about that.

My Father and Uncles rarely spoke of their experiences and we have always respected that. I saw first-hand what those months in Nam did to my cousins and classmates. None came back the same people I grew up with.

To every man and woman who has given their life or served this country in the name of freedom, I pledge to you my undying respect, my gratitude and my love. Each of you has gone above and beyond in doing so. . .

Diana T.

As I write this, Diana is in a hospital in Colorado being prepared for major surgery. Ordinarily, this would be a cause for alarm, but this is the final step in Diana's long journey to womanhood. At 7 AM Mountain Time tomorrow, Diana will undergo Sexual Reassignment Surgery (SRS). The last traces of her birth anatomy will will surgically altered to bring her as close to a genetic female as a "Trans" person can ever be. Being rid of the physical male anatomy is a right of passage for an M2F transgender. It's the last evidence of a person we were never meant to be. The same is true for F2M trans males. Having the correct genitalia is like shedding the shackles of prison.

Diana's journey has taken nearly five years. Therapy, hormones, more therapy, living one full year minimum as your true gender, evaluations by numerous Doctors and finally the legal OK to proceed. She is the fourth person I have known to take the final step.

There will be a white candle burning here for Diana until we have word she is OK. Not that it's a particularly dangerous operation, but all surgery carries some risk. After five days, she'll be allowed to fly home to Motown. There are several dozen other Trans people here who will anxiously await her OK to visit, or her first trip out to see us.

We love you and miss you Diana. . . Hurry home. . .

A Word About Me

First. . . . Thanks to all of you for the warm thoughts and genuine concern you have shown. That touches my heart.

I'm still stuggling with things, but my Psych (Rosemary) has been great these last few weeks and the Social Worker (Anna) is rapidly becoming someone I can trust. Both treat me as a woman despite my appearance. That has had a great impact on my attitude. Anna has met me once for lunch and asked if I would be comfortable with her coming to my house. I told her I'd have to get back to her on that one. But, I know I'll ask her eventually.

Overall, I'm feeling better. I'll try to get around to your blogs to lay one of my eggs of wisdom (Even I choked on that one, LOL!!!) soon. . . I also had an interesting experience with my neighbor today, but I'll save that for another time. . . Let's just say "I'm Damned" and leave it at that for now. . . .

OK, this is far too long. . . .

HUGGSS!!

Posted by Lauren :: 7:29 PM :: 5 comments