update from the front

Hi everybody! 
Things in the Fortress of Solitude are quiet. Busy, but quiet.

There is a lot of stuff happening, and much that has happened since my last update.

Most importantly, my name was legally changed recently and I am now Caroline Anne! I'm working on all of the other docs now. DL, SSI# and birth certificate are on the short list. I don't even want to think about all the others. ;)

Another important event is happening on October 1st. I'm going to be living and working finally as Caroline. I've been doing a lot of work trying to get everybody at my job on board with the change and I think and hope that things will go smoothly.

My company has been fantastic about this transition as well. My coworkers and customers have all been super. I couldn't ask for better support. I hope the good will lasts at least until I get my feet under me.

I've been working with a speech therapist as well. I've been practicing myself for sometime, but it's good that I can get a professionals' opinion and coaching. It's through the V.A. so I'm trying to utilize what they offer and so far, they've been treating me so well.

Oh, I'm returning to Dallas and the wonderful girls at Electrolysis 3000 this coming week for round two. I'm looking forward to the results, but dreading those needles. 
The good news about this is that I can visit my sister who lives a close state away this weekend. My sister supports me 100%, but hasn't seen Caroline yet and she is eager to get to know her, just as I'm eager to introduce my true self.

Not bad news is that I signed my divorce papers yesterday and am waiting now for it to become final sometime in November. I had hoped that our marriage would survive. It won't. Not my decision, btw. Our marriage had been through a lot. Some of the roughest times that included loosing our oldest child while I was deployed to Southwest Asia. We survived that, why couldn't we get through this? I am saddened beyond words. I pray that one day, I'll be able to see my children and (yes) grand children.

Also, I found a church that will accept me for who I am and has welcomed me with open arms. The surprising thing is that this church is a mainstream non-denominational church. I've talked to the pastor and he didn't have a problem with me. He acknowledged that he doesn't know much about this, but that he would try. I've even attended small group at their houses without problems. What a world of difference from the close minded morons where I used to worship. I pray that this goodwill lasts. I need this foundation in my life and missed it greatly when I was church searching; not to mention all of those years getting beaten down by a message that was not inclusive.
Have to run, I hope that everybody is well and talk to y'all later.
Caroline Anne