Not glad to hear your were feeling so bad but am glad to know you sound positive and empowered now!

Knowing there is someone to turn to for support is a blessing!
My husband is not ready to come out to family and friends...That puts me in a lonely place of not being able to turn to those who I usually find my greatest support....sooooo
This group is where I have turned...the words of support and encouragement I have received are
my lifesavers...I've battled depression nearly my entire life...in the first few weeks after his coming out to me, my depression was overwhelming and unimaginably painful...I thought that maybe suicide was an answer...maybe an answer for ending my pain...but the pain I'd cause my children! They bring things into perspective just by their presence!! Soon we will be on this journey with our children and then someday our brothers and sisters and someday friends...So
I'm trying hard to focus on taking one day at a time. Go see your friend! Celebrate in her support!

I also have had no family/friends to turn to as my husband isn't ready to tell anyone yet. I hit that same wall this week until I realized that even with health issues, I can make it on my own. Hard to get excited about a new life though, with so many years invested in this one, but at least the anger has disappeared. I'm trying to stay positive and retain my sense of humor, it's keeping me sane!

I feel your stress regarding having your usual support system not available. She is struggling as to whether to tell her children and sister and whether to come out at work. A place she has been working for 30+ years in a high profile job. She has told me how when people come out at work they often lose their jobs. I am not ready for retirement. I am not ready to have our income reduced. I have no one. I have not told my best friend, my mom or my daughter. When I tell my daughter, who didn't want me to marry her in the first place, I fear I will never see her. As it is she rarely comes to my house when she comes to town. We usually meet elsewhere. My best friend from 7th grade is like a sister to me, more so than my blood sister, and I haven't told her either. So, frankly, I am alone. And, just to be honest, I am embarrassed to introduce my co-workers to the new partner. I don't want them to know my husband is now a women. Hateful? Mean? I don't know, but it's how I feel. I don't mind being seen in public by strangers. But, for my co-workers to know, AURGH, it's frightening, scary and yes embarrassing. How does that reflect on me? What does that say about me? Am I kidding my self by saying I want her to be happy and she can be what and who she wants - when I really just want things to be "normal?" I'm lonely. I'm sad. I want to be supportive, but I think I am lying to myself. I don't know cause I have no one to talk to. No support. I'm sad.

So, some big news to share! I handed in my resignation to work this past Friday. I'm not the type of person to throw in the towel, but I kinda feel like there's a lot of things up in the air in my life, so I think I need some time to myself and re-evaluate some things. Thankfully, we are in a financial position to do this. I'm scared it might be harder for me to find another job, but I don't know, I think I really need to take care of myself right now.

Probably a wise decision, Cora. It will give you some breathing space.

Good luck
Syl

Cora, did you find the Closet Book mostly about gay and lesbian relationships? I just couldn't get past that. What chapter where you in when you read this noteworthy support? I have the book, I put it away because it didn't seem to be reflective of my situation.

My spouse and I are formerly identifying transsexuals. She was born a female and lived as a transman for almost twenty years and I was born male and did live my life a transwoman for 5 years. We have a lot to offer in our experience and journey and would love to help answer any questions that you may have. We are deeply empathetic to what you all are going through and would love to be supportive in any way and help to shine a light on what is such a confusing time in your lives.

I just wanted to let you all know that you are all beautiful and that you are not at fault in any of this. We are not here to offer you a pro-trans spin to how to handle these the tough questions that you may be facing. We are just going to be honest and speak the truth in love.