I Am So Grateful

There are many people I am thankful for knowing and having met. And, I am sure, that there will be many more. I am where I am at because I have chosen to be, but I also know that I could not, and cannot, do it alone. The people in my life, personal and professional, are important to me. So they are remembered and honored, I dedicate this page to them, just like they will always have a special place in my heart, they have their own place at my site. They, like the world, come from all walks of life, age groups and so on. Some are on the web, some not. Some are in the TG commnunity, others are not. This list will grow and if you happen to know them or have the chance to meet them, know that you will be treated with respect, honor and love. (I have not listed anyone in any particular order. I have also intentionally not created any links on this page. If you would like to know more about a person, feel free to email me. They may also be referenced on another page.).

Note: New entries (as of 08 Sep 1998) are highlighted with red.

Terrance & Jane, my dear soul friends, role models, support

Often I have gained in one area of my life by pushing my comfort zone in another area. One of my best gains has been the friendship of T & J. I am honored to be considered one of their close friends, I continue to learn from them, and despite the hectic schedule of life know that I can always call on them and they will be there.

S.W., my first therapist, guide, listening ear

Sometimes we get lucky, most times we are given what we work for. She compassionately helped me to see and work on my frustrations. She provided a sense of being okay, along with the concept that others had a right to be "wrong". Through her I found other therapists who would assist me in my journeys.

J.F., my second therapist, guide, acknowledger, grounding force

Her wonderful techniques, supporting and acknowledging words, and honest and sincere feedback saw me through some of the most difficult times in my life. I was deeply saddened by her departure from her practice. Through her I was really introduced to myself emotionally - I started to feel again, to grief the loss of expression, identity, wholeness, and uniqueness as good things in one's life.

F.G., my ski buddy, friend

Her love of the outdoors and love of people brought us together and has brought others into my life. I admire her sense of adventure, at times her sense of "go for it-ness". We have also shared our relationship pains and triumphs, talked about our strengths and how strong our weaknesses can overpower our lives. Heroines (heroes) are human, too.

C.F., my daughter, sparkle of my eye

We grew up at the same time, I am filled with joy that she is such a wonderful, loving child. That, despite my lack of parenting skills and abilities, she is okay. I cherish that we are still close and able to talk about life, loves, and someday, gender.

Evan, my son, teacher, challenge, another sparkle in my eye

I love watching him explore his world, become excited over seeing an ant, or the sound and sight of airplanes. To hear his uncontrolled laughter, his uncensored curiousity, unlimited freedom to explore, learn, play.

Elizabeth, my wife, partner

She showed me playfullness is okay, two perfectionists is not always a good thing (though it can be humorous), quality is a good thing, love, acceptance, freedom.

L.E., our couples therapist

She has helped to keep us together, allow each of us to have our feelings and emotions, given us each validation and acknowledgment, helped us to remember why we fell in love in the first place, lets us know we do have a lot of stress in our lives.

J.L., my gender therapist

She has provided a forum where I can express who I am, how I feel, how my "baggage" impacts all my life, including this thing called gender.

Patti M., my dear electrologist and friend,

She has been the best, validating, complimentary, introduced me to others in the community, given me humor, a little pain, great company, not to mention making it easier to shave and cover up.

M.T., a sister TS in transition

She has been direct with her questions, open with her life, and was the first "other" person I met.

F.R., another sister in transition

I admire her courage and self-belief, her ability to move ahead while in a family and dealing with all the added issues. She was the first person I met who has some similar family issues.

Jody D., my dear, dear friend, confidant

What started as a work relationship a long time ago, has continued as a cherished and loving friendship. We have shared some great and some not-so-great moments in our lives. After coming out to her, she remains a dear, dear friend.

Melissa, The Treasure Chest

The "first" person I talked and worked with directly about my transgenderism. Her warm and friendly service turned a very nervous buying experience into a positive memory.

The Community, et. all; Every day seems to open more doors and bring new, wonderful people into my life, whether face to face, electronically, or through their own written stories.

Marsha B., of Ingersoll Gender Center

who responded warmly and supportively to my email request for information and time. I was referred to her by my therapist, J.L.

Jean Vermette

who treated me like an old friend, even though I was a stranger calling across the country and from out of the blue.

Amy S.

An Asian sister who warmly shared her history and time with me and filled me with hope about myself through her courage.

JoAnne H.

Even though we have not met, I feel connected and she has shown that not all relationships are maintained separate from our transgendered life.

Kim B.

I only know her through her site and her journal on her first time to Esprit, and by osmosis (another Asian TG through Amy).

Denise T.

A sister sansei who was the first person to leave a message in my guest book and offer words of encouragement there.

Teri S.

who made my first "outing" fun, safe, and memorable

Elaine L.

who I met through Amy at the Pride Parade. She welcomed me to join the NWGA group and is a wonderful, fun person.

Lori Buckwalter, It's Time, ORegon!

she has allowed me into her life and offered her time and experience to me.

Kim McNelis

Webmistress for It's Time, ORegon! and another new friend.

Linda Simpson

she has offered her support and encouragement in working through existing relationships and transgenderism.

Sarah Fox

I met her by visiting her web site, then our paths crossed through a forum discussing a TG television show episode. Then again through It's Time, America!

Janis Cortese

A community supporter from The 3rd Wave Feminist web site. She has thoughtfully written a supportive primer about transsexuality. She has allowed me to use it for reference.

Daphne Scholinski (The Last Time I Wore a Dress)

thank you for sharing your inspiring and touching story. Thank you for sending your warm thoughts to me.

Joyce S.

A special friend I met on the internet, came out to, and who continues to be a supportive friend.

Mary Lane S., Brenda S., Sue P.

During a most difficult emotional time, I reached out and came out to my long time friends. Being the wonderful people they are, they responded lovingly and openly.

Gabi Clayton

A wonderful mom who lost her son to the hatred and violence against GLBT. She has opened her heart and life to others through the internet.

So many others

Kate Bornstein

Phoenix Rising Foundation

Just Out (where I saw Patti's ad in the first place)

The Treasure Chest (the first place I came "out" to)

the World Wide Web

The Embers

J.G., my hair stylest, who keeps life fun

Pride NW, for establishing the parade and a forum which has been a significant step for me on my gender journey.

Jody T., Nordstrom's Women's Shoes (Downtown Portland) - a very friendly, warm, acknowledging person. Look her up if you get a chance and are looking for shoes.

Linda Kliewer

Photographer, very nice person, responsible for my moments in the spot light of the Pride Parade.

K.F., my grounded, spiritual chiropracter and acupuncturist

She has been far more than my physical healer, offering her support, emotionally and personally. Her touch is gentle and effective, she pushes me to take care of myself, acknowledging what I know myself about what I need.

T.B., my massage therapist

She knew me long before I told her about my transgenderism, she continues to be a friend - attempting to soften the body where all my stresses are stored.

J.F., my former boss, antagonist, challenge

(I hate giving credit to those I have had to struggle against, but sometimes it is them that move us in the direction we need to go) Through his opposite philosophies and work ideas, I fell into such stress I sought help through our E.A.P. (Employee Assistance Program) and met S.W., a warm, helpful and guiding therapist.

The unmentioned

The many who have helped, challenged, antagonized, lifted up, put down, prejudiced, honored, ignored, traumatized, - hey I'm still here and getting better all the time.

Love,