[GoneGirl]

I have been coming to this board for a long time. In that time I have gone through many changes. When I first arrived here a few members at that time warned me (or tried to warn me) of the power of these herbs to dramatically change a person, and to be very careful about knowing what I was doing. I dismissed their warnings, and in my mind knew better. I was wrong.
As the last four years have unfolded, their predictions have come to pass. I am wiser now. I do not in any way regret the changes that have taken place, nor would I change anything. I have shared probably more than I should have shared about my journey and have no doubt some grew weary of my verbosity long ago. (Somebody tell that bitch to shut up! )
No matter, I shared because I felt a record of my experiences might be of benefit to someone, and, frankly because I needed the opportunity to do so to help me deal with that journey. In that time I have received, with few exceptions a love and support I could not have survived without. I am forever grateful for that and all the wonderful people and friends I have found here.
I find now that when I counsel the same caution to others I am met with the same reaction others received from me when I began. I understand. Clara asked me some time ago whether I felt I had "outgrown" this board. I laughed it off at the time, since this place has been my online home for so long. But I guess I was wrong.
As others have pointed out, this board is for NBE. I have moved beyond that now. I do not know yet where this road will lead and that is somewhat scary, but I know it is the road I should be on.
I now feel it is time for me to leave. My situation is now far different from that of so many arriving now and I feel I am only in the way. I shall still be at SCC and I still very much hope to meet all of you there if you are going. If you need, please contact me by email and I will reply. For those who need a friend I am still here. I did not want to just disappear as others have done, hence this posting.
I shall miss this family. I wish you all nothing but the very best.
And now I need to put on some loud music. I need to dance....

Hugs

Samantha

Oh, dear. This is bitter sweet. Bitter in the way your departure was triggered, which I won't dwell on, but sweet to see that you have completed this part of your transgender journey to a place that has brought you certainty and greater tranquility in your life.

I'm disappointed that I will not be reading your posts here any longer. For me, your posts comprised a model for transition that I trusted to guide me on my own journey. You know how quickly I have progressed these past 8 months, Sammie. It's been like a whirlwind. I could never have done it without your example, your coaching, and your loving concern. Yes, I benefited from the words of others on this board, as well. I won't try to name them for fear of leaving someone important out, but I will say that no one helped me break the shackles of my GD like you did. Thank you.

It's not a personal loss that I feel, we will stay in contact and continue to dialog on other online venues. I think the loss is going to be felt more by those on this board that will not have the benefit of your wise counsel, not to mention the fun times we've had. As sister Sarah mentioned, "This place just got a lot more boring!"

What about me? I don't know. I'm licking my wounds, too. Nobody likes to feel unwelcome. I think a forum is what the posters make of it. If those living in the past don't like the current postings, maybe they should be more proactive in determining the course of the conversation. I have over 1500 posts in less than 9 months. You've posting even more than I. That kind of participation is bound to have an effect on the direction of the forum, and piss off some who, I suspect, feel overshadowed.

The fact is, I'm right behind you, Sammie. If you've outgrown this forum, I suppose I will, too, very soon. Maybe the time is now. I have to give my inflamed emotions time to calm down before making any decisions. There may still be value for me here; I'm not sure.

Love and hugs,

Clara