[Amaven]

Cheryl, I sense in you profound sincerity and the beginning of a strong founding of self acceptance. Many of us think we have it bad because our boobs are a little small, a little asymmetrical or mis-shapen, here you are, changing from a man to a woman under the ridicule of the ones closest to you and even yourself. It may have been a long, extremely difficult journey but a journey none the less. It sounds as though you have come a very long way and you have come to realize something that many other adults have not discovered yet: knowing thyself means choosing thyself-and taking responsibility for it.

It's hard to be comfortable with ourselves when those around us, particularly the ones we thought loved us, treat us with unflinching disdain. I'm glad you persevered long enough to reach the point where life really does get better, and you sill continue to do so. Your presence on this board has not only been one of openness and support, but of strength. Making yourself vulnerable the way you just did shows strength, it shows you as a person who is making her place somewhere in life where she can thrive, be who she is, and most importantly, accept herself. I hope you know that here on these forums we accept you the way you are Cheryl, and not only that, we appreciate you being who you are.