Thank You All

[Guest RachaelAnn]

I haven't been here long. And I don't post/speak up as much as many of you. I only admitted, or should I say "figured out", that I was transgendered back in March. So I'm kind of a.....would "rookie" be the right word?

I know we have all been through hard times. Most of you have had it harder than I have. I was lucky. My wife is actually excited about this, and when she told her family, they were fine with it. That is a rare thing. But I'm not saying it's a smooth ride by any means. It's still difficult. The internal war still rages for me and I'm sure for many of you as well. It's a never ending struggle that we all have to fight for the privelidge and right to be who we really are. It sucks, but that's the way it is.

When I came here I wasn't sure what to expect. I had been to some rather unfriendly forums, and was only hoping to find one that was different.

I bit off more than I could chew.

You people welcomed me with open arms, and have been here to help me with every problem I have had. You keep the bad element out, and the good element tightly bound in. I have met so many wonderful people here that I can't even begin to name them all. I never knew that there could be a group of strangers that are so welcoming and so eager to help when help is needed. It reminds me of that story "footsteps" about the man and god walking along the beach.

There are times that just coming in here and reading posts that others had made is what helped me make it thru. All that is left to say is...

Thank you all

Rachael

[Guest Donna Jean]

That is so sweet....

And many that come here don't believe what we're all about at first..

But, this community is absolutely 100% what it seems..The regulars here are loving, caring and supportive..

We have had a couple of folks leave stating "censorship" and that we're too "sweet and saccharine"..

But most love the safety and the people...

And we're really so happy that YOU'RE here....

Love & Huggs

[Sally]

Dear Rachael,

I remember that first time that I came here and looked over the forums I had no idea of what to expect - I was unfamiliar with Internet Forums of any kind and of course I had been brought up to believe that 'those people' (us) were all freaks, weirdos and perverts, being a child of the fifties and sixties i was not expecting to find anything good here or in myself.

I joined and posted an introduction - I thought that the welcomes were nicer than I had expected and I started reading about all that others were going through and how everyone was offering support and advice - 'those people' are nice - just like any other group of people some quiet, some more outgoing, some happy, some sad and what a mix - all pulling together.

I have made friends here who are closer to me than people I have known for 40 years, not just because of the trans issues but because of the openness.

We are all members of one of the most amazing sites in the world - I thank you for being a part of it.

So like Rachael said, "Thank you all."

Love ya,

Sally

[Guest BeckyTG]

Sweet Rachael,

You are so right and I experienced the same thing.

You just made my eyes wet. (That's a good thing).

Love,

Becky

[Guest Opal]

Hi Rachael!

Thank you for your kind, heartfelt expression of thanks! I'm very, very new here, and don't know how I could have possibly made it through the last couple of months without Laura's and the kind members here. Every one of us have a unique story, unique challenges, yet a common need to grow and heal.

Hugs!

Opal

[Guest NatashaJade]

Rachael,

That is why Laura's is a place that so many of us have made our second home. I have never been part of such a supportive community and it has made a world of difference for me as I go along my way. I have all of these lovely ladies and gentlemen who have joined me, you included.

luv

Gin

[Guest Elizabeth K]

I am so angry with that!

never knew that there could be a group of strangers that are so welcoming

WE ARE YOUR FAMILY! We aren't strangers...

Just kidding about the angry part, actually it made me a bit weepy - we try to be good to each other and you just wrote that we are doing just that! Yes we love you - what's not to love? I mean - we are all in this condition, and its good to laugh, cry, vent, question... and best... talk about it.

Eventually - it's like we just ... are... and that is so good.

Thank you for that sweet post.

Elizabeth

[JenniferB]

Hi Rachael,

I share your sentiments about Laura's. I know when I arrived, I was concerned about the reception and was blown away by the kindness of the members here.

Every time I have and voice it here, the members always come to the rescue with their kindness and support. I have never found a place like Laura's. I know I'd be in a worse place without it.

Love Jenny

[JJ]

So beautifully said Rachel! This place is almost beyond belief and words.

Everything we dream about having in the world at large is here in abundance. Acceptance, love support and selfless giving.

A perfect family without all that sibling rivalry!

Love

JJ

[Guest Ashley C.]

Rachael (once again, LOVE your forum av), as wonderful as this forum is, it's only as strong as the sum of the individuals who are a part of it. We're very lucky to be a part of something greater than ourselves, something that's truly a force for good in this world so full of hostility. So, thank you for being here alongside us all, in the good times and the bad. Just reading your post above has given me so much encouragement and confidence to get me through the rest of today.

Love,

Ashley

[Guest RachaelAnn]

I am so angry with that!

never knew that there could be a group of strangers that are so welcoming

WE ARE YOUR FAMILY! We aren't strangers...

Just kidding about the angry part, actually it made me a bit weepy - we try to be good to each other and you just wrote that we are doing just that! Yes we love you - what's not to love? I mean - we are all in this condition, and its good to laugh, cry, vent, question... and best... talk about it.

Eventually - it's like we just ... are... and that is so good.

Thank you for that sweet post.

Elizabeth

Now that I look at what I said, I did use the wrong word. You guys here may not be blood, but we are all family. I feel closer to you guys than I do to most of my blood relatives. That's a good thing on both parts.

Rachael (once again, LOVE your forum av), as wonderful as this forum is, it's only as strong as the sum of the individuals who are a part of it. We're very lucky to be a part of something greater than ourselves, something that's truly a force for good in this world so full of hostility. So, thank you for being here alongside us all, in the good times and the bad. Just reading your post above has given me so much encouragement and confidence to get me through the rest of today.

Love,

Ashley

Ashley, I must return your compliment. Your heartfelt words have put the biggest smile on my face. I think today will be a great day.

Rachael

[Guest sarah f]

I have to agree about how loving everyone is here. I was blown away when I first came aboard in December so much so that I spent most of my extra time on here. I was even staying online on my phone to keep up with the site. I still do that today. I can't get enough of this place. The family atmosphere here is what keeps up coming back and why I will not even try to look up any other sites for information.