The Time Has Come

[Guest Joanna Phipps]

My dear Family and Friends

I have known that this day was coming for some time, the only question was when it was going to happen. Well it seems like today is the day. I have come as far as I can with my counselor and except for some paperwork and a bit of time I am as ready for surgery as I ever will be. Many of you mean as much to me than some my family does, but like any child we grow up and have to spread our wings and be who were meant to be and be that out in the real world. Most of my life has settled into that boring normalcy of the real world and I find that now is the best time to cut myself loose from all of of you here. I have given much to this site and in return i have got back so much more than I could ever have hoped for.

Recently I have not been on here as much and that is simply because of my real life. Things are going well, my wife and I spend our weekends together catching up on what we missed of each other during the week. In reality as I look over my shoulder at those coming along behind me and seeing some of them paraphrasing the advice that I handed out ages ago I know that Laura's will be in good hands. With Sally, Bernii and some of the other older hands staying I know for sure that the good ship LP will be kept on an even keel and have nothing but fair winds and following seas. ME, Petra and all the rest there is no way to adequately thank you for all you have done in keeping this place running and keeping the problems under control.

Many of you can reach me on facebook or via my website, if you pm me on face book I will gladly give my yahoo out to those who I know. Since I might pop back from time to time I ask that my account not be cancelled; I wish to be another of the many who traveled in this fantastic company for a time and is proud to be one of the many alumni. I promise to drop back and let you know when I get every thing firmed up for my surgery and when i finally get my name change done.

Finally to the younger generation, it is to you we throw the torch. You have things so much easier than we did; many of us matrons have said privately and openly would that we could have done this when we were your age. You will have the vast majority of your lives to be who you were meant to be. Never forget those who blazed the trail, who took the risks and cleared the way for you to do what you are doing

To those ahead, thank you for making the trail

to those with me, thank you for being there

to those coming behind, follow our trail but make it yours

keep your eyes on your prize, none but you knows what that is

With my prize in sight, and my trail more clear than ever I feel it's now or never. The rest of my life awaits and its a door I must open. Through my tears as for one last time I leave this place. Sally keep the cookies and cocoa on since you never know when I'll pop back. Lest anyone think there is a problem that has caused me to move on, that simply isnt true. I have simply outgrown Lauras and wish to dissappear into Real Life.

Be well my friends and leave a candle in the window.

[Guest ~Brenda~]

Joanna,

Congratulations on moving towards your last and most major step to complete your transition. I wish you success and true happiness with your surgery and with yourself.

I do hope to see you here from time to time. Even after you transition there is still so much you can still contribute here (life after surgery for example).

May the rest of your life be filled with tremendous happiness and peace

Your friend

Brenda

[Guest BeckyTG]

Be well, be safe, be happy Big Sis.

I appreciate everything you did for me. You have given me the courage to step out into the sunshine. My plan says I'll be full time within a few weeks. My GT says I'm ready, Angie says I'm ready (grin), so, I must be ready. I just got my big girl panties.

I wish you all the best going forward. May you disappear happily into real life.

I love you dearly,

Lil Sis,

Becky

[Guest viv]

I will miss you Joanna .

Live long and prosper .

Luv,viv

[Guest Chandra]

Dear Joanna,

Although we never got a chance to get to know each other I just wanted to jump in to wish you all the best in your future.

As I am relatively new here I sense your contributions here are very significant and will leave a impact that will live on for many years to come.

I am beginning to see what is going on here. This condition we all share, has and will always remain in humanity. It has also

coalesced us into a group that builds on each others shoulders. My big sis Becky is your little sis. This way our understanding will continue to grow and make it easier for each new generation. Hopefully this evolutionary process will help us merge a little at a time with increased acceptance into mainstream society.

Thank you for the foundation you have laid for future generations.

All the best to you my friend

Your baby little sis, Love Chandra

[Carolyn Marie]

Joanna, you are a brave, strong and smart woman. I know that you will prosper at whatever you choose to do, and handle whatever comes

your way.

Your journey is not over by any stretch, but your are nearly at your destination. The Womanhood Express has taken you far, and the

final destination is in sight.

Be well and be happy. Peace and long life, my friend.

Carolyn Marie

[Paula ult]

Joanna hon,

I wish you nothing but the best, i see you will stop by every now and then, you never know when you might need more support or may even want to give some.

HUGS!

Paula

[Guest SusanKG]

I think that this is why the word "transition" is so accurate. We have to transition from our physical birth gender, and it can not be instantaneous - we have to be in "transition" for weeks, months, years while so much changes and so very much is accomplished. At some point between back there and up there, we leave forever being male (or being female) and become female (or male) outwardly, to match what we know has always been so inward. At some point, we realize that the mirror is not lying, that what we always believed was not a lie, that the future will not be a lie.

The point I call the change-over is there for all and is singular, even if it occurs more than once. But transition is the process, not the goal, and is a constant in each individual's progress. It's my belief that transition rarely if ever is complete; we have a lifetime of catching up to do. My goal, and I think it reflects your goal, is to be rid of the male and become the female, not remain a transsexual forever. That is just a label. Transsexual is the time of process, not the goal. To do less is to have gone only part way.

Just the same, we can not, and should not forget who we were and where we came from. That certainly and most specifically includes this site and our friends here. I am most happy to read that you and your wife are working through this together. You thus know and I know that gives us major help.

To quote Lowell Thomas, "So long until tomorrow!"

SusanKG

[Sally]

Dear JoJo,

I am going to miss typing that - I have been here from your first step into the forums, through your advancement to moderator and watched you grow.

When you first came here you were very angry and impatient with your team and couldn't understand why they were dragging their feet when you knew what you wanted - needed but they stalled so you tool their challenge when they said 2 months of RLT before your HRT.

It was a challenge that they thought you would back down from and they could spend a little more time working with you on the emotional changes to come - they did not know my JoJo very well - it was full steam ahead and then they had no excuse - you have done so much of this your way but during your transition your way has softened and you have become that kind and gentle woman you were always meant to be - the frustrations subside and things begin to fall into place - even your turbulent relationship with your SO has settled down and become the loving, sharing and caring relationship that it was before all of this began to tear away at you.

You have sailed through many stormy seas and found your way here to our safe harbor before, I hope that you never need shelter here again but that you will visit to say hello and to help other travelers who may have lost their way.

Whenever you do drop by, I will have some cookies ready and your cocoa mug will always be on the shelf.

Be happy, Sis!

Love

Sally