I registered this blog in February and have been waiting for the “perfect” moment to write my first post. I am in no way tech savvy, so I spent the remaining month of February trying to get the “look” of my blog just right. February came and went with no post. Then, in March, I promised myself I would do my first post as a birthday present to myself. Didn’t happen. April was an emotional month – my firstborn turned 18 exactly thirty days AFTER I failed to give myself the blog post birthday present! I am always reminiscent on each of my kid’s birthdays (I have two daughters), but more so on my firstborn’s. I always consider it the anniversary of the day I became a mom. Surely, the sentimental, sappy reminiscing I was doing would compel me to write my first post, right? Wrong. April came and went with no compelling post. I began to wonder, am I overthinking my first post? Maybe I’m not cut out for blogging? Why did I register a blog if I didn’t intend to write? I was so busy in May, I didn’t even think about the blog or my non-existent first post. I logged in today to make sure the “look” was right and play with the images AGAIN when I accidentally stumbled upon the sample blog page. The title of the sample blog post, which I left as the title of this blog post, stunned me because it was so perfect! And, so, I decided, TODAY is THE perfect day to write my first post.
Allow me to explain why the title “The Journey Begins” is appropriate. This past weekend was monumental. My firstborn, my 18 year old, graduated HIGH SCHOOL! Have you ever heard the song by Garth Brooks called Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old)? Well, I feel much too young to have a kid going off to college!! I thought I was emotional when she turned 18, but I found myself nostalgic the week of graduation. You see, two years ago, on her 16th birthday, she gave herself a gift, most likely without realizing it. On April 13, 2016, my firstborn sent me a text, which I hastily deleted. It went something like this, “Mom, I am transgender. I now use the pronouns she, her, hers. My friends know. They support me. You don’t have to use my new pronouns right away. I’m not ready to talk about this in person. I hope you are not mad.” She had been seeing psychologists and therapists since freshman year of high school, so I knew something was brewing. Never in a million years did I expect to see the word transgender. Back then, the only things I knew about transgender people were learned from tabloids speculating about Caitlyn Jenner. I wasn’t against the LGBT community. I just gave no thought to the issues that affected them because the issues didn’t affect me. I remember the exact moment I received “the text.” My husband was traveling for work, it was gray and raining outside, I was in my bathroom putting towels away in the linen closet. I fell to my knees and wept for hours. And so began my daughter’s journey as a transgender woman, my journey to acceptance, and our family’s journey to learning, understanding, and parenting a transgender teenager.
Yes, the past four years have been a journey. In August, we will begin a new journey as our firstborn daughter goes off to college (and our second gets her drivers license). And, TODAY, I begin my journey as a blogger. Once I accepted that my daughter was transgender, I realized I had two new callings in life. First, I needed to reach out to parents who find themselves at the beginning of the same journey to let them know, as difficult as it seems, everything will be okay. Second, I needed to educate those who are not familiar with the “T” at the end of the phrase “LGBT” what the word transgender means. I hope you will join me on my new journey.
“To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Mama Bear 
You are always telling me I am strong, but you my love are a warrior! I am inspired by your grace, courage, strength, and your willingness to share your vulnerability…Heather is so blessed to have you for her Mom and I am thankful to have you to inspire me. I am honored to part of this journey….I LOVE YOU!
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To see Heathers smile reflects her happiness and the love and support of her friends snd family. Be proud as oarents and if your choice if friends. You are admired
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I’m welling up reading this! I’m totally hooked and can’t wait for the next instalment! So beautifully written.
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Love this. And you, Rich, Heather and Abby.
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This is amazing Cindy. I’m so proud of you and this is so courageous of you and your family.
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Your first post is perfect and I’m so proud of you for taking this first step to help other families. As always, you prove yourself to be the amazing person I know you are. Your daughters are ever so lucky to have the parents god gifted them.
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Apparently you picked the perfect day to write the perfect first post- a beautifully written introduction to your journey with Heather and toward your goal of increasing awareness, empathy and respect for transgender children and thei families. 💕
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You did it! So proud of you. So thankful to know you.
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Glad you are starting this blog. You are going to encourage so many! I like to share that I just found out about your oldest daughter last week so I am too on a journey but with me I know you are going to help me by speaking from your heart and so as a new baby blogger I am glad I am stepping out of my comfort zone to share this journey with you! I look forward to your next blog my friend!
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Cindy! What a perfect first blog, especially as Heather graduates and will be going away to college. I admire you and your family greatly and can learn a lot of lessons from you. I’m looking forward to reading your next blog!
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Hey, Cindy! Us Moms are used to our kids throwing us some unexpected ‘curve’ balls as they grow and you, my friend, are handling it with inspiring grace and class…..thank you for sharing your experiences so that they may help others….you’re a great Mom and I look forward to further posts….Best of luck to Heather on the next phase of her journey-College!!! Eeks!! My oldest is right behind her and I’m terrified!!!
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Love you!!! You are already a great blogger. Can’t wait to read your next post!
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The perfect day – looks like you found that perfect day.
Beautiful written – proud of you my friend!
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Cindy… You have done a beautiful job in your first post! By opening yourself up and sharing your feelings and thoughts, you help so many who just want to know they are not alone. I’m sure your journey not only will educate others, but will inspire, comfort and strengthen so many! Well done, friend!
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Beautifully written Cindy…Thank you for sharing your story.
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What an inspiration you are!!! Heather is very lucky to have you and Rich as parents. Not to mention Abby as a little sister. Love and the best of everything for your family.
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Cindy, I am so proud of you for sharing your story. I know you will inspire others. Your first entry is perfect and I can’t wait to read your next one. Love you, Julie
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Cindy, I’m proud of you all. You have to be exceptional parents for your child to be so open with you. It will make her journey so much easier. Kisses for you all, Aunt Marilyn ❤
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