[pom19]

Yes, I am proud of you. This is from my heart, that's why the message was so short. I have been talking to my soul mate about you and I think she is impressed too (she is also a great soul). We have always been very open minded about non-traditional communities. We truly believe in live and let live-with respect. Robin, I am also very impressed by your intelligence. The way you write. Words have power, and you can sense its efficacy if you are tuned in. So, it is bunch of characteristics in you that made me to say that. "Constancy of purpose is the first principle of success." And you have demonstrated that. Well done. With Love and Peace.

Oh my gosh, you have made me well up inside and feel both pride and bashful at once
I thank you so very much for sharing and saying such a thing. It is humbling and yet, at the same time, makes me proud that I persevered and allowed me to become me. Society and pressures sure push back against anyone not fitting a mold, a form, a conformance.

I recall when I knew I was different --- it was in fifth grade and, after having finally hit the softball I ran to first base (me, the littlest boy in the class!) and as I ran, I saw my best friend Neil playing first base for the other team. I ran as fast as my skinny little body would carry me and I made it! I got to first base!! I smiled with pride at Neil, who said to me "Way to go!" I looked into his eyes and impulsively kissed him. I meant it. I just kissed him on the lips --- no thought, no thinking --- and all of a sudden the WHOLE field erupted into a riot!!!
I was like "Uh oh, OMG....run!!" and I did.
Anyway, I got suspended for three days. No fair.
But it was clear from early days who I was, and what I liked.

From then on, I just dressed androgynously, and it worked. My hair was long and my jeans always tight by 6th grade. In 7th I wore makeup, and got my ears pierced. In 8th I insisted on wearing a dress to school, only to get beaten up again. But it was also in 8th grade where I met a perfect boy, and we dated secretly, and I felt whole and loved and pretty and feminine. He was older and bigger and muscular and just a flat-out hunk. Being wrapped in his embrace, held and kissed --- I knew I was where I belonged.

The journey of life had begun.......

Being me. All of us, being us. It requires courage and hope and friendship. So thank you, for being my friend

Your words have impacted me deeply. I am grateful.
XOXOXO

If you shape your life according to nature, you will never be poor; if according to people's opinions, you will never be rich. -- Epicurus

And that's why you are rich now Robin-inside.