You did the best you could with the information you had at the time. It sounds like it was long enough ago that Anne was among the first wave of pioneers.

Young people growing up in today's world won't be startled by these kinds of announcements. But people in my generation were because it was unfamiliar territory. We still have pioneers, though, because everyone who goes through the process in this backlash environment needs great courage. You are clearly supportive of this, and that's what matters most, IMO.

I had a reaction, too, many years ago. I think the medical field was just opening up to its capabilities regarding transitions. (I'm showing my age again.)

It was all new to me, that's all I know for sure, and my friend said they were transitioning, but didn't use that word. And I said, "They can do that?" And when they said yes, I said, "How cool!" I just blurted it out. My friend laughed but I was really ignorant about what a difficult decision and process it must have been for them.

I told them my story about how when I was about six, my friend Amy and I promised each other we'd meet when we were older and we'd get married, but that I'd be a woman and she'd be a man. That drew a good laugh, and all was well.

Luckily my friend wasn't married at the time or anything like that.

I hope Anne's kids have come around! Thanks for sharing this.