If you didn't exhale after writing this, luv, please do. You said it: you are free. Remember that, when you think of Mother's sneer. Think of that, when you think of Father's dispair. So often, our family has decided what our life is like. When we don't do what they "know" we are "meant" to do, it comes to the meeting you had. We are fools, we are abomination, we are (fill in the blank) in their minds. And why? Because we have done what they didn't have the courage to do. They wish they could have sprouted wings and flown into the life they'd dreamed. They are furious that you dared step into your personage. You have removed the nails from your flesh, honey. Yes, the pain is there like a phantom limb when one has had their arm or leg removed. Yes, the scars aren't pretty. But you are a living, walking testimony to those children who are living a lie right now. Show them your scars as you are doing. Let them know they can survive. You are an inspiration and I pray for all the good things to come your way. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Xx
Wow, this is wonderfully thought provoking, as always, whenever I read your comments I see someone who understands exactly where I'm coming from. Thank you, Andree. One of my main ambitions for my writing is to show people, who aren't currently themselves, that you can be yourself. It will be hard. You will lose a lot. But you will be happy. Thank you so much, Andree. I mean it. xx
No thanks needed - we must be here for each other, doing our best to see each other where we all are. I once counselled a young person who was working their way back to independent living after being in mental health inpatient care after jumping from a bridge because they had been bullied for being trans. This was in the 1990s. What a beautiful person! I was heartbroken to hear what they had been through. They wore their bra as an act of defiance, daring anyone to question them. I remember the day I met their mom, who was supportive, even after all this time. That day, they wore a beautiful cashmere pibk sweater to the session. When I commented on how good their outfit looked, they just cried. What an impression that left with me. I can't treat others in ways I wouldn't want anyone treating me. Cruelty just makes me so angry...
Andree, I hope that person is living in beautiful, divine peace right now.
Little compliments, and affirming words are like gold to me. I keep them close to my heart and they keep me warm from the profound cold. You did a great service for that person, thank you.
Again, your truth in writing is incredible. One reason I still am a fan of Hemmingway is that he could take a whole sweep of a scene, the scenery, the feel of the air, the pertinent conversations and suck it up into a big hypodermic and stick it straight in my mind. I'm thinking you do the same very well. And you too deserve divine peace.
Your writing is some of the most raw, beautiful, powerful writing I have come across in a good while. I wish you every success in every area of your life. Please don’t stop writing. 🙏🏽💛 (also, I’ll be coming to Amsterdam this week - and I will think of you.) x
Hi Sabah! Thank you so much for your beautiful words, I won't stop writing! Well, if you happen to see me out and about please don't be afraid to say hello! Have an amazing time.
I’m glad you are writing about this. Some people will read this and feel less alone. That is important. You are writing things which matter. Keep it up I will keep reading and commenting!
Gorgeous writing. You have a gift with words and I am moved. As a canadian mom, I’m watching and reading with horror and disbelief what’s happening south of our border and threatening to take over our beautiful country as well. I want to hear your voices in this mad world. You deserve to live an honest life and I am sorry for all the people in this world who don’t share that belief.
Thank you so much, Tammy. I have to say, that horror show that is currently unfolding in the US is of great concern to me. It scares the living, you know what, out of me.
Having said that, I absolutely love hearing a supportive voice from that part of the world because it reassures me that there are still millions of good people there.
Amazing writing, Füsun. Your skill with words is just so impressive.
Also: two sets of twins in your family? Mine as well! I have a twin sister and my two brothers, one year older, are also fraternal twins! (eight kids in all)
So glad you had the courage to post this. There will be so many who will find their own story in yours and be comforted. And you. You are going to be a very successful writer!
If you didn't exhale after writing this, luv, please do. You said it: you are free. Remember that, when you think of Mother's sneer. Think of that, when you think of Father's dispair. So often, our family has decided what our life is like. When we don't do what they "know" we are "meant" to do, it comes to the meeting you had. We are fools, we are abomination, we are (fill in the blank) in their minds. And why? Because we have done what they didn't have the courage to do. They wish they could have sprouted wings and flown into the life they'd dreamed. They are furious that you dared step into your personage. You have removed the nails from your flesh, honey. Yes, the pain is there like a phantom limb when one has had their arm or leg removed. Yes, the scars aren't pretty. But you are a living, walking testimony to those children who are living a lie right now. Show them your scars as you are doing. Let them know they can survive. You are an inspiration and I pray for all the good things to come your way. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. Xx
Wow, this is wonderfully thought provoking, as always, whenever I read your comments I see someone who understands exactly where I'm coming from. Thank you, Andree. One of my main ambitions for my writing is to show people, who aren't currently themselves, that you can be yourself. It will be hard. You will lose a lot. But you will be happy. Thank you so much, Andree. I mean it. xx
No thanks needed - we must be here for each other, doing our best to see each other where we all are. I once counselled a young person who was working their way back to independent living after being in mental health inpatient care after jumping from a bridge because they had been bullied for being trans. This was in the 1990s. What a beautiful person! I was heartbroken to hear what they had been through. They wore their bra as an act of defiance, daring anyone to question them. I remember the day I met their mom, who was supportive, even after all this time. That day, they wore a beautiful cashmere pibk sweater to the session. When I commented on how good their outfit looked, they just cried. What an impression that left with me. I can't treat others in ways I wouldn't want anyone treating me. Cruelty just makes me so angry...
Andree, I hope that person is living in beautiful, divine peace right now.
Little compliments, and affirming words are like gold to me. I keep them close to my heart and they keep me warm from the profound cold. You did a great service for that person, thank you.
Again, your truth in writing is incredible. One reason I still am a fan of Hemmingway is that he could take a whole sweep of a scene, the scenery, the feel of the air, the pertinent conversations and suck it up into a big hypodermic and stick it straight in my mind. I'm thinking you do the same very well. And you too deserve divine peace.
Thank you so much, Stephen. I want all of my readers to be in the scene with me. It’s very important. Thank you.
Brought to tears and continually blown away by your storytelling. Thank you for this window into your world. I am changed because of it. 🙏🏾
Thank you, Yamuna. I’m glad to have you here. You’re most gracious. ❤️🧿
Füsun you are a beautiful person, a beautiful woman. Inward and outward ❣️
You're now sharing your experiences with us with an amazing talent for writing.
It's time to Fully Bloom Now and focus on writing.
You open hearts. With love ❣️
Ciska, you are most kind. I’m very touched to be reading this! I feel like I am blooming, slowly. Better late than never.
It's never too late my precious lady ❣️
Stunning writing. Mothers can be so cruel. They know best how to wound us.
My sentiments exactly, I feel like mother’s know exactly how to push buttons. Thank you for reading, Trudi. Your words are most kind.
You're so brave</3 wondrously written as always xo
Thank you so much, Melissa.
Your writing is some of the most raw, beautiful, powerful writing I have come across in a good while. I wish you every success in every area of your life. Please don’t stop writing. 🙏🏽💛 (also, I’ll be coming to Amsterdam this week - and I will think of you.) x
Hi Sabah! Thank you so much for your beautiful words, I won't stop writing! Well, if you happen to see me out and about please don't be afraid to say hello! Have an amazing time.
Thank you so much, beautiful! I would love to give you a giant hug 💛
So heartbreaking, and I'm sorry. My oldest daughter is trans and it's so hard watching how the world treats her and trying to help her navigate it.
Thank you, Mary. Your daughter is so very brave, and thank you so much for being a wonderful mother!
Wow, you write so exquisitely about something so visceral and painful. You really are so gifted, thanks for being generous with your story. <3
Thank you, Bronwyn, for receiving it with such kindness.
I'm back, as promised. And, as usual, you delivered another raw, brave, and beautiful gift of yourself, wrapped in words. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, Yolanda. I appreciate you. You’re very kind.
I’m glad you are writing about this. Some people will read this and feel less alone. That is important. You are writing things which matter. Keep it up I will keep reading and commenting!
Thank you, Austin. Your words are wonderful, motivating and most welcomed. Thank you, again.
Dear, dear Füsun - beautiful words through pain. I am glad you are writing here.
Thank you so much, Kathryn. I appreciate your so considerate comments, thank you so much.
Beautiful. “I would not lay dead a liar.” Fucking powerful
Thank you, Ishmael. 🧿❤️
Gorgeous writing. You have a gift with words and I am moved. As a canadian mom, I’m watching and reading with horror and disbelief what’s happening south of our border and threatening to take over our beautiful country as well. I want to hear your voices in this mad world. You deserve to live an honest life and I am sorry for all the people in this world who don’t share that belief.
Thank you so much, Tammy. I have to say, that horror show that is currently unfolding in the US is of great concern to me. It scares the living, you know what, out of me.
Having said that, I absolutely love hearing a supportive voice from that part of the world because it reassures me that there are still millions of good people there.
Thank you, Tammy.
this is beautifully expressed and so very important. thank you ♥️
Thank you, Mona. I appreciate it.
❤️❤️❤️
Amy, thank you!
Amazing writing, Füsun. Your skill with words is just so impressive.
Also: two sets of twins in your family? Mine as well! I have a twin sister and my two brothers, one year older, are also fraternal twins! (eight kids in all)
So glad you had the courage to post this. There will be so many who will find their own story in yours and be comforted. And you. You are going to be a very successful writer!
You’re very kind, Don. Thank you so much, and I really do hope people will feel less alone by reading this. That’s one of my greatest hopes.