First Friend

[Guest Heather taru]

When I was younger, aroun 9-10ish i think, when I long known that I was different and KNEW I was a girl, I found the internet. I was at my uncle's house, the only person I knew that had internet access. He allowed me to go unspervised on the computer, and I began browsing.

It did not take me long to find several pages and loads of information about transsexualism etc. I remember feeling right, crying when I read the information, and realized that I not only was not alone, but I had hope for the future.

Eventually, I started chatting (my very first chat actually) with a post-op TS named Rhonda-lynn Brown (i think that was her name, at least in chat anyway). I was terrified, confused, but full of hope. She told me everything I needed to hear; that I was not a freak, that I could be who I really was, and simply was a friend to me. She offered so much helpful advice, and I remember so much of our conversations. Eventually, she gave me her email address and her telephone number.

I remember saving quarters, and one day sneaking away from my house. I walked nearly a mile to a pay phone, slipped in my hoarded stash, and called Rhonda. I was so excited; I had a friend. All I wanted to do was talk...though I was terrified. Rhonda continued being an excellent person, offering yet more advice and just being a good listener. She told me that she was having a case worker come to her house, as she was involved in a custody battle with her ex over their children. Abruptly, she had to go. I never spoke to her again; I lost her email address and telephone number over the years.

I really wish I knew how to contact her. I want to thank her. She helped me soooo much with just a few conversations and kind words. She even insisted on calling me by my girl name during chats. I just wanted to share this, and hopefully, on a slim chance, she may read this and I will get to thank her.

If you do ever read this Rhonda, THANKS!

[Sally]

Heather,

You have the means to thank her in the way that she would appreciate the most, by helping others.

That is how I want to be repaid for anything that I have done to help anyone - I have less need for thanks than others have for help.

So as you are helping the new friends that you have made her, think of Rhonda and know that her kindness will never die, it will be passed on from one to the next and encompass the world.

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest Donna Jean]

Heather...

Oh my...what a truly beautiful story!

One that you will carry with you for life..

I'm sure that she is still out there somewhere and thinks of you, too...the young trans girl that she helped!

And as Sally said...turn that around and help others...

It's in your hands now...

And I do hope that somehow, she see's this!

HUGGS

Donna Jean

[Guest yvonne]

Dearest Heather,

That's a wonderful story and warms my heart, as I never found anyone like her. Like you, I did a lot of study on the subject to try to understand my feelings, but I never got as far as you did.

I see you just got your letter. Congratulations, girlfriend. Congratulations. I'm so happy for you and I share your joy.

You are now that girl. You're obligation is to pass on what you know to those who are still searching for understanding in their own lives and in their own troubled minds.

If you do your job right, you'll live a life of freedom and satisfaction and richness. If you really do it right, you'll leave behind a whole bunch of Heathers to carry on the work that you now assume as your own.

I'm very new at the journey myself and I look up to girls like you for help.

So, help all your sisters here at Laura's and do your part for sisterhood. I'm working on becoming a Heather, myself.

A hug for you, my sister. Thanks for being part of the group. Welcome to our little corner of the world.

Yvonne

[Guest Heather taru]

smiles!

Don't worry, I have every intention of helping anyone and everyone in any way I can. I hope one day I can help someone that was as lost and confused. Truly though, a world where it isn't common for people like us to suffer with so much fear and confusion would be nice..

Rhonda touched my life....I remember her advice so well. Just that she took the time to talk with me, not to me, still makes my heart warm today.

Everyone, never forget that even one simple conversation can mean the world to someone.

[Guest yvonne]

smiles!

Don't worry, I have every intention of helping anyone and everyone in any way I can. I hope one day I can help someone that was as lost and confused. Truly though, a world where it isn't common for people like us to suffer with so much fear and confusion would be nice..

Rhonda touched my life....I remember her advice so well. Just that she took the time to talk with me, not to me, still makes my heart warm today.

Everyone, never forget that even one simple conversation can mean the world to someone.

Heather, that world you referenced where it isn't common for people like us to suffer with so much fear and confusion---It's right here and you're in it.

The good sisters here at Laura's have the power to understand themselves, reduce the confusion and eliminate the fear. They've helped me do it and many others, I'm sure.

Thanks again for being here.

Hugs,

Yvonne

[Guest viv]

When I was younger, aroun 9-10ish i think, when I long known that I was different and KNEW I was a girl, I found the internet. I was at my uncle's house, the only person I knew that had internet access. He allowed me to go unspervised on the computer, and I began browsing.

It did not take me long to find several pages and loads of information about transsexualism etc. I remember feeling right, crying when I read the information, and realized that I not only was not alone, but I had hope for the future.

Eventually, I started chatting (my very first chat actually) with a post-op TS named Rhonda-lynn Brown (i think that was her name, at least in chat anyway). I was terrified, confused, but full of hope. She told me everything I needed to hear; that I was not a freak, that I could be who I really was, and simply was a friend to me. She offered so much helpful advice, and I remember so much of our conversations. Eventually, she gave me her email address and her telephone number.

I remember saving quarters, and one day sneaking away from my house. I walked nearly a mile to a pay phone, slipped in my hoarded stash, and called Rhonda. I was so excited; I had a friend. All I wanted to do was talk...though I was terrified. Rhonda continued being an excellent person, offering yet more advice and just being a good listener. She told me that she was having a case worker come to her house, as she was involved in a custody battle with her ex over their children. Abruptly, she had to go. I never spoke to her again; I lost her email address and telephone number over the years.

I really wish I knew how to contact her. I want to thank her. She helped me soooo much with just a few conversations and kind words. She even insisted on calling me by my girl name during chats. I just wanted to share this, and hopefully, on a slim chance, she may read this and I will get to thank her.

If you do ever read this Rhonda, THANKS!

Oh Heather, what a lovely post. Rhonda was a true friend and I hope so much you two meet . Somebody out there in our

community will know her and pass the word on . Best of luck and thanks so much for a beautiful memory, Luv, viv.

[Carolyn Marie]

Heather, your post was wonderful and made me smile.

We all need that support and understanding and kindness. All of us older women here didn't have the help from

the Internet that you younger member's have had, and its something that I regret - but regret doesn't solve any

problems, least of all mine.

The great thing is to celebrate what we have now. Virtually everyone on this site has found their own Rhonda.

I found her in Donna Jean, and others have found her in me or in other members. Its part of "paying it forward."

Its an aspect of this site that I truly love. So now its your turn to play the role of Rhonda and help others.

Trust me on this Heather, you will benefit from it as much as those you help.

HUGS

Carolyn Marie