May be triggering to some as I mention suicide and depression.
Just thinking about my parents today. My Mom, Charlotte, passed away in 2003. She was 66. My Dad, Bill, passed away in 2016. He was 90. The last six years has been a time of great change for me spurred on by his death. I started reassessing my own life and trying to figure out why I was so angry at the world and sick of my own life. I started a slow spiral down into a deep depression. My work suffered as well as me making things rough at home. 2018 saw many things happen. I planned suicide. I wanted to stop the hurt and pain I felt and was causing. In late April 2018, I called the Trans Lifeline anonymously and talked to a trans woman counselor for a couple of hours. She gave me hope and saved my life. A month later, I came out to the world as Branwen Drew.
The last four years, seven months, and sixteen days have been a time of tremendous change and growth for me. The majority of people I see everyday have known me as Branwen. Those that have known me much longer now see me and Branwen and seldom mention who I was known as before May 2018. I have my muse and discovered I am a talented poet and artist. My art and poetry has been in various online and print publications. I am engaged to the love of my life, Sarah Tuck We will be marred in March 2023. We were together for thanksgiving this year and will be together for Christmas. I am the happiest I have ever been. I love my life and the people in it. I am hopeful for the future and grateful to be alive and the part of the future. Thank you to all of my friends and family (chosen and biological) that have helped me through so much.
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. Celebrate life and be kind.