| Later that afternoon I decided to take a spin in my car to see if I could actually sit behind the wheel and drive, I had my doubts. Being that I was leaving the next day I really had no choice but to give it my best shot. There were some errands I needed to run before I left, and this would be my first foray into the public since the surgery. And This Too Shall Pass After being sheltered in the residence for almost two weeks, I didn�t quite know what to expect when I ventured back out into the public. It was certainly nice not having to deal with the outside world while I was recovering and getting acclimated to my new body. I was wholeheartedly enjoying my stay in Montr�al. The staff and the residents were warm and friendly, with a few exceptions. I felt comfortable and cared for since the first day when I arrived there. The thought of having to go back out into the world after such repose, dealing with unfamiliar situations and caring for myself once again, seemed challenging. I pondered what those challenges would be once I left the friendly confines of the residence. I was definitely going to find out, that was for sure. Sometime during the afternoon on Wednesday Linda told me to take a peek in my room and look upon the bed. When I did, I was pleasantly surprised to see that she had left me a stuffed animal on the bed, an adorable bumble bee. When I picked it up it started to gyrate and sing me a catchy little tune. I was so touched she had me in her thoughts and decided to express her friendship to me in this manner. When I first met Linda she seemed a little brusk to be a caregiver. Only as time passed did I come to understand how difficult a job they had dealing with a house full of needy, demanding, capricious, and sometimes ungrateful transsexuals. She was the one who saved the day for me by getting Eva out of my hair. I was so indebted to her for looking after me, and we bonded more each day that I was there. I sat on the bed hugging the stuffed animal, welling up with deep emotions that resulted in tears runnning down my face. I knew I was going to miss Linda and the others immensely after I left. I wanted them to know how much they meant to me at this pivotal time in my life. I knew I needed to express my appreciation to all of them before I left. Soon after, I gingerly seated myself on my rubber donut in my car, and proceeded to drive off to find something worthwhile for them to remember me by. First, I was looking for a florist in order to send some roses to the staff. Once I found one nearby, I picked out a dozen red roses and I had them put this oddly beautiful blue rose in the middle. Next, I went to look for a card to give the staff in which I could express my gratitude for all that they had done for me. I managed to find a blank one that was nice, because I had no idea what was written in the French cards. I then headed to a chocolate shop for some treats. I deliberately picked out some delights and stashed them in a nice basket to give along with the card. I was only gone for about an hour, but when I got back I was pooped and eager to settle down in a nice, comfy chair. As I made my way up the driveway to the residence I saw Lise heading to her car, she was done for the day. When I got out of my car she came over, smiling, and gave me a big hug. She just loved the flowers I had just picked out, that florist was lickity split on the delivery! It was wonderful to stand there for a few minutes chatting with her about my experience with them, as well as listening to her tell her side of the story. She was coming back in the morning, so I knew we would be saying our goodbyes then. I gathered my goodies and headed into the house to put my thoughts down in the card I bought. <<BACK<< >>NEXT>> |