Tuesday, September 15, 2009

My Sister Is Such A Sweetheart!

During our weekly family supper gathering, my older sister noticed my hands, and asked me if I buffed my nails. I quickly answered, "yes I do", and she just left it at that. I had noticed her observing me with a degree of curiosity on other occasions. One time she noticed my hairless legs, and asked me if I shaved them. I had to come up with a hasty explanation, and I told her that as I grew older, I seemed to be losing a lot of my body hair. That explanation seemed plausible, because my father had hardly any leg hair left in his old age. Of course, he was in his late 70's by then, and I was still in my fifties, when first she noticed it.

I had been wanting to tell her about me, for a long time, but the right occasion never seemed to present itself. There were always too many other people present, or we just didn't have enough private time together, to give a conversation like that justice. It was so frustrating, waiting for an opportune moment. So, last night when I got home, seizing on her question concerning my nail buffing, I sent her an email, telling her that I loved her, and that I wanted her to know the truth about me. I explained to her that I was transgendered, and how now that I was retired, I was living as much of my time as I could, as my true self. I gave her links to a couple of my earlier blogs, that told of childhood experiences that had a profound effect on me. These were stories that I thought she could relate to, because she was familiar with the places, and some of the people involved.

I was worried how this might affect her, but never once believed that she wouldn't be sympathetic, and I was right. She emailed me back, saying the news really rocked her, and that she cried while reading my blogs, but just as I expected, she told me that while she didn't understand being transgendered, she understood how painful it was for me to live with this secret, and she told me she loved me, and would support me in any way she could. She complimented me on my picture, saying she thought I was pretty, and that she thought I looked a lot like her. That was compliment indeed, because she is, and always has been a very pretty woman. If you ever saw me without my hair and makeup, you would never think I could be anywhere close to as pretty as her, not in a million years! And of course I'm not. I don't have her pretty skin, or her adorable petite frame, but I do have facial features resembling hers, and that is a high compliment in itself.

So, I finally got the chance to come out to her, and I'm so happy that I did! Sis, if you happen to be reading this, I want you to know how much I love you, and how proud I am to have you for a sister!

Melissa XXOO

12 comments:

Kim said...

I am so happy for you that you were able to confide in your sister and her response is nothing short of a dream come true. This entry is an inspiration to me in that I hope to one day be able to share this secret with my sister and my family as well. I know you must have been smiling ear to ear as you read her response to your email. What a great day for you :) Thanks for sharing this moment with us and I hope you continue to blossom into the beautiful woman you obviously already are. Have a great evening!!

Khloe

Amy K. said...

Wow. This is major news here. I'm so happy for you! Congratulations on having a really cool sister! It must feel like such a big weight off your chest. Her support and acceptance will enrich your life. That's just awesome. :)

The Crossdresser's Girlfriend said...

Secrets are just truth in the dark. I am so proud that you're allowing yourself to live in truth, in light, and in amazing love. I always look forward to your words; maybe a bit more than others.

Caroline said...

The time came to speak to my sister some time ago but I want to do it face to face and she lives nearly 500 miles away.

She was here for a flying visit four months ago and I lost my voice and they left early to do something on route so we lost our chance.

We were going to do a road trip passing them on the return but that has turned into a flight!

I doubt that she does not have strong suspicions and I did practically dictate her daughters final dissertation over the phone when she said it was about the history of cross dressing!! Yes she got a good mark.

So happy that you now have an ally especially on Mondays.

Love Caroline XXX

Anonymous said...

Wow...getting back out in public, and not this? These are earthshaking breakthroughs and I totally understand your relief over your sister's reaction. Almost makes you want to scream it out to the whole world huh?...well, maybe later...lol. Keep it up...it seems you're really having fun. :)suzi

Stephanie said...

Family is the hardest group of people you'll ever have to come out to. They can be the most critical and least accepting of all people. But when they do accept you, it is the most rewarding for they have known you the longest and you expect their love to remain "no matter what". When they don't accept you, it hurts the most. I'm so happy for you that your sister can see who you really are. She would have missed out on having such a thoughtful, caring sister.

Hugs,
Steph....

Jenny.J said...

Well done, I'm so pleased you've spoken to your sister, it takes me back a few years when I first told mine, our relationship has truly blossomed since, its a wonderful place to be in. you'll soon be exchanging make up and fashion tips, and having nice sister to sis chats.

Jenny x

Naukishtae said...

Ya know.. I think Khloe got it almost right, but I'll bet the big smile came after you wipped away the tears.. you are just so sweet.. I see you in your words.. I am so very glad that your sister is so loving.. I can feel your joy.. this is just so wonderful.. you are blessed my dear.. and I am so glad that you wrote that note about Khloe.. she is just so lovely.. thank you for being yourself.. I do so enjoy reading this blog.. thanks Melissa.. for being here..

Leslie Ann said...

Well, finally! I'm glad you decided to stop waiting for the right question and just come out with it. What an unburdening. I'm so happy for you, Melissa!

Kay & Sarah said...

That is so wonderful to have a sister who is so supportive and respectful. When I told my siblings, 4 sisters, 1 brother; they are scattered across the US and have not been together for several years. I wrote a letter to each of them and included literature describing what other people have experiences as they transitioned. The only reply I received that was encouraging, was from my brother.

Your new happiness shines throughout this piece. Peace be to you.
Sarah

Anonymous said...

Congratulations !
I am so happy for you, It is difficult coming out to family members as you so desperately dont want to loose them.
My sister and brother to go now.
x

Melissa said...

lisalisa,

Don't hesitate to tell them, dear! Just make sure you have prepared your message in a way that touches their hearts. I was overwhelmed by the acceptance I received from my sister and niece. I expected them to be kind, but I never thought they would be so wonderfully supportive. I'm sure your brother and sister love you dearly. Please don't count them out. They could wind up,being your best allies!

Melissa XX