[Jet]

Originally Posted by theoddz

I'll never forget what my dear ex said to me one time about transwomen....."It's not right. It's like the ultimate voyeurism perpetrated on (cis??) women."

I had to do an awful lot of processing, reconciling and forgiving to overcome the myriad of feelings I had about that statement. I still am at odds with the hurtful feelings I have about it, but I've made a lot of progress during the last 8 years since she's been gone.

There were only two topics we ever discussed that made me wonder if she and I were ever really good people. The trans issue, particularly against transwomen was one and my sense of American pride and patriotism was the other (this was based on a remark she made to me following the 9/11 tragedy).

People come and go in our lives. I truly believe that they do so in order that we all might learn and grow from each other. As much as I loved my ex, and as horribly sad and lost as I felt after she walked out, I realize now how much I've grown and evolved. I've even had the courage to get to know, accept and love myself....and now I'm able to live my life fully and truthfully.

Parker, my friend, I really hope you don't shut us, your friends, out. I think you're going to find your perfect love one of these days, and you know what?? She won't change you. You will change you. When love is healthy and right, it lifts you up and brings power to you....power like you've never known it before. You will move mountains in your life, do things you never dreamed you could do, and then everything will make sense. I wish this for you. I wish you a strong, healthy, steadfast and devoted love. I wish you strength. (Maybe I'm taking things for granted here a bit, but I have a strange feeling, in a very good way, about you. I think the best....the very best....is yet to come for you. You are on the right road, my brother.)

~Theo~

Thanks Theo. You've always been a champ, and I'm grateful. i don't want anybody in my life. I'm a loner and it'll stay that way. at 53 I'm squaring away with this. No body gets close, Theo..nobody. But you're a kind and good-hearted man. I appreciate your input. Just so you know.