| Gracious Goodbyes It was apparent that the experience of my SRS had come full circle when I sat down for dinner at the residence for the last time. Janet, Kate, and I found ourselves in the position of having endured the surgery, both physically and emotionally. Similar to the girls who came before us, we were sharing our experiences with the new folks who were awaiting their turn to have their hopes and dreams fulfilled by having SRS, or whatever other procedures they were there for. It had been only nine days after my surgery, but I felt like a veteran relating my experience to the others. I was at the end of my adventure in Montr�al, and like those before me, I was going to head out on a brand new adventure the following day. I had no idea what to expect, albeit getting back into my everyday routine was the goal. I�m an extremely sentimental being, I knew I would miss the whole environment of the residence, and especially those people who touched my heart. After dinner I sat down to express my sentiments to the staff in the card I bought. It wasn�t hard for me to do, I�ve always had a way of being able to put my feelings into words. I wanted the people who took care of me to know that I was most grateful for their compassion and kindness. Afterall, they were really the ones who were present for my rebirth, my vulnerablity in a time of trauma, and ultimately my transformation into physical womanhood. This was so much more than a sojourn along my transition path, it was the beginning of a new life for me. I was reminded of how proud my family doctor was to tell me the story of his wife being the first person to hold me after I was born in his office. I wanted the staff to know that their nurturing was something that I would never forget, and that I would be proud to tell the story of my second birth to anyone who was interested. I cried when I wrote the words down, I had no idea how many more tears would be shed once they read it. I was happy it was Linda who was on that night, so I could give the sweets and the card to her first. We had really developed a wonderful bond over the time I had spent at the residence, we simply understood and respected each other. She had told me about some of the special people who had come before me, the ones who really made an impression upon her. Knowing that someone appreciated their efforts was very important to the staff. I couldn�t imagine how hard it was for them to get close to someone and then have to see them off, time and time again. Perhaps that is why many of the patients perceived an aloofness from some of the staff, only to decide it wasn�t worthwhile getting to know them. I couldn�t help myself, though, it was my goal to let them take care of me once I first stepped foot inside the residence, and not be a pain in their ass. While I was spending my last night there, I felt that goal was met with great success. I made my way downstairs to give Linda my tokens of appreciation, although she was too busy at the moment to pay close attention. I left the card and the chocolates with her, and I told her I would return later on in the evening before her shift ended at 9:00 pm. I didn�t know what to expect once I returned at about 8:00, my concern was that our emotions would get the best of us. She had read the card and was very moved by my expressions of gratitude. Of course, chocolate was a weakness of hers, too. That moment in time seemed to transcend my pain and worries completely. The tears flowed freely as we talked about how wonderful it was to have shared such a marvelous time together. I told her there would always be a place in my heart for all that she had done for me, especially saving me from the horrors of rooming with Eva. <<BACK<< >>NEXT>> |