The other night, I called Marilynne. Her husband answered. He was very cordial, a Southern gentleman, you might say. He thanked me for being helpful to Marilynne and their daughter when we were at The Morning After House. And he praised me for my courage.
Until recently, I found it odd when people used words like "courage" in talking about me. But last night, I was grateful for the acknowledgment. Maybe I am indeed courageous for having undertaken the changes I've experienced. After all, I was risking pretty much everything in my life by "coming out," let alone by dressing and otherwise expressing myself as a woman.
The cynic in me says that people see such actions as courageous when you succeed. But, really, how do you measure "success?" By how much money you make? By that criteria, it's debatable as to whether I'm a success. By how good you look? I won't say anything about that.
Of course, I didn't voice those doubts. But he must have been reading my mind when he said, "Well, just the fact that you did what you did makes you a a success."
"My dear, that blush you see is not a Maybelline product..."
He chuckled. "Well, you certainly sound like you're doing well."
"I am, and you are part of it."
"Well..."
I explained that meeting him, Marilynne and their daughter meant so much to me. "You guys are all heroes of mine."
"Really?"
"You and your wife for the way you've supported your daughter."
"What else could we do?"
"Who else but a wonderful parent would say that?"
"And you were a great help to us."
"Well, all I did was..."
"It meant a lot to us."
"And you were so helpful to me. Best of all, I learned a lot by seeing you all. I am developing as a woman, as a person, and you all gave me examples of what I want to be. You're a hero."
Having a mother who's been supportive of me in this, and in so many other things, I know a hero when I see one. Anyone who helps someone in a time of change and transition is certainly a hero.
Not to mention the ones who do what they need to do, who do what is right for their spirits.
Yes, I have heroes in my life. And they think I'm one.
Well, at least I don't have to wear tights and a cape and a funny mask. Now, anyone who can coordinate an outfit like that is definitely a hero! ;-)
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