As someone who has looked upon the world through the viewpoint of two opposite lenses, I will always have the experience gained from each viewpoint. As I was learning about my future life I tried to make sense of everything by using poetry to focus my questions about my new identity.

This poem was one that helped me believe that where i was going was the right choice.

reflections

who’s reflection do I see?

as I stand before this mirror

the image tis both clear and real, it cannot be me.

my mind’s own eye hast its own image clear

dressed and colored with prejudice free

who’s reflections do you see?

who’s reflections do I see?

this mirror cannot lie,

but shows a face full in imperfections

masked with colors sharp and clean

on skin with soft and subtle lines of age.

mine own vision, an aging beauty be.

who’s reflections do you see?

who’s reflections do I see?

the mirror sees only outside, not what’s within.

her time before the mirror is short, her pain hidden well

until others gladly welcomes the person she sees

her joy to share with all, her true reflections

only then can mirrors see the image she knows

is hidden until her true self is who you see?

To Laugh Again

A friend called me last night to tell me a nurse I formerly worked with was having health problems and had been put on bed rest. The sick friend is a person that I worked with for more than 20 years. We worked together, traveled together and played together. She was the first person at work that I told about my partner being transgender. She was truly a friend. She told me that the main thing she was concerned about was that I was happy. Her actions toward me never changed.

My sick friend is someone that I have had so many good times and laughs with that I can’t count. We have laughed together until we truly would lose our breath. When I called her today, I could tell from her voice that she was not feeling well. She has a severe form of arthritis and is possibly having side effects from some of the treatments. She says that the fatigue she has is overwhelming. We are both avid readers and she says that turning the pages of a book is painful for her. This coming from a vibrant, funny, “go till you drop” kinda woman breaks my heart for her.

Please join me in saying prayers for the recovery of my friend that she may have energy again, that she is active again and, yes, oh, yes that she laughs again.

A Challenge

Our introduction will be out of the ordinary for many of you. You may have never met a transgender person before and it is even more unlikely that you have met a couple one of whom is transgender. One of us was born with female genitalia and a female identity the other was born with male genitalia and a female identity. One of our goals is to share some of our lives with you in hopes that you will become more knowledgeable about people who are transgender and the people who love them.

We know that many people see being transgender as a sin, an abomination or "of the devil." Our challenge to you is to listen to the stories of transgender people. Get to know a transgender person or get to know us through our posts.

The possibility exists that you may know someone who is transgender. Because of the reaction of many individuals they may choose to keep this part of their life hidden. A transgender friend says, " when you announce that you are transgender be prepared to lose your family and friends." Sadly, this is true.

We hope to share some of our lives with you in the hopes that you will know how truly ordinary we are. We are two people who love one another. We have pets. We like to garden. We go to church and sing in the choir. We have friends who come over to visit and invite us into their homes. We babysit for friends and love to play with the kids. We also have people who think we are the "spawn of satan" simply because of who we are. Take a little time and get to know us.