[The First Aria]

I'm with you Shawna.  As I think most kids.... Mom and Dad knows what's best, right?  My Mom was happy that I was interested in learning to cook for my Dad who had Radical Eye surgery in 1960.  It was for cataracts.  But in those days, they removed the whole lens, and the person had to stay flat on their backs for like a month.  I was a Kindergartner at the time, and had to rush home to feed my Dad and myself lunch.  But, I loved to cook and loved looking after my Dad.

I also was taught cross stitching and crocheting...  Ya know.  Real "Manly" things.  Not because my Mom insisted.... but because I did.

I was never a wild boy, never looked or picked fights.  Could get along with almost everyone...  I felt empathic, and always tried hard not to hurt other's feelings.  

But, I thought all the above was because I was a civilized well behaved young man..  But now have come to realize, that there was a LOT more to it....  I have always been of "Two Spirit", I just didn't know.

Yes, I am quite sad that I can not bury the real me....  Life was so much simpler when I was Naive and Stupid.  Became a football and baseball jock in H.S.  Dated lots of cute girls...  Went off to service overseas, Got shot at, and returned fire.....  Got home, married had 4 children and now have 11 Grandchildren....  Then the frikin truth hit me right between the eyes...  Not only did I feel like on occasion I had to cross dress.  But NO, there was more to it..  But, I am trying to learn to cope, and thrive.  Which is really the only natural thing to do...