Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Making a Change


Welcome to day 15 of BlogFest 2012!  Today’s host is Claudia from The Story.  She has provided a picture for our writing prompt and this blog is my contribution.


     When I was in high school I remember my humanities teacher telling a story about one of his former students.  I imagine it is fairly common when you are a teacher for a former student to seek you out and say hello, especially if you made a difference in their life.    At the time my teacher also was an active member of the city’s symphony orchestra.  It was at one of his concerts where this former student approached him.


       


       At the time I was in his class he already had taught for quite a few years and had educated quite a few people.  After the concert he was approached by this young lady who seemed extremely excited to see him.  She came up and told him that he had been one of her favorite teacher’s.  While he conversed with Josie he racked his brain to remember her as a teenager in one of his social studies classes.  For the life of him he simply couldn’t place her.  After more conversation, she sensed that he didn’t remember her.  She laughed.  I have to be perfectly honest with you.  When I was in your class, my name was Joe.  My teacher said his mouth dropped in shock.  She proceeded to explain that she never felt comfortable or happy as a boy, so she made the decision to have a sex change operation and become what she was always meant to be…a liberated woman.  Making changes in life can be scary but so liberating.  I can’t imagine the courage it took for this person to follow their instincts and make such a drastic change.  As Joe, he never found happiness but as Josie the world opened up like a flower and life became worth living.
  

       After he told this tale to the class, we were all as shocked as he had been.  He told the story to illustrate that people can and do change, maybe not as drastically as Josie did, but change they do and we should all find it in our hearts to embrace them and their changes until next time when I give you another glimpse into the life of a trucker’s wife.


26 comments:

  1. Just have to say that I love the first image in your post! Hee. I am a lamp. :)

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    1. I love that image too. Oh look, I'm a fence post!

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    2. Susanna, LOL yes I am a lamp too. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your comments! ♥

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    3. Waffle-Wednesday, it is cool. I loved this picture prompt. Thank you for stopping by and for your comments! ♥

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  2. Hats off to Joe/Josie. Truly courageous and commendable.

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    1. Janu, she went through a lot to become the person she was meant to be. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  3. Now that IS a change, isn't it? Well done and I bet no one else has this story to tell in any fashion!

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    1. Jo, it is one of those stories that has stayed with me all these years. I may not remember anything else from that class, but I do remember that!! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  4. I knew quite a few transgender people in SF & they were so much happier!!!

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    1. JoJo, being happy in life is all that really matters! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  5. This is a great story! And I love the picture.

    Thanks for sharing. I'm sure I would be shocked and overjoyed that a person followed their heart if a former student came to me in this way.

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    1. a.eye, it is really quite extraordinary when you think about it. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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    1. Waffle-Wednesday, I am so pleased you enjoyed it. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  7. I am glad Josie is now happy. It is nice to read when people find the happiness they need to. Kudos to the teacher for fostering acceptance as well. He could have easily never mentioned his experience but used to to teach and that is wonderful.

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    1. Winnie, I think it proves why he is a teacher that you remember well after you accept your diploma. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  8. Wow what a beautiful story! I'm glad Josie did what was necessary to make her happy...and I'm thrilled the teacher had such a positive lasting impact!

    I also just wanted to say you're one of my nominees for the Reader Appreciation Award:

    http://oystercardjunkie.co.uk/blogher-nablopomo-challenge-month-reader-appreciation-award/

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    1. Loki Lou, Wow! Thank you so much!! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!! It is my pleasure to read and comment and I am honored by your award. ♥

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  9. Wow, Joe/Josie really made a change. An interesting story and a tribute to a teacher who made an impact in many ways.

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    1. Betty, he was a great teacher. She really did make a drastic change. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments!! ♥

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    1. Journey of Life, indeed! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  11. I didn't see that one coming...but glad it did!

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    1. Susan, yeah it was a shocker! Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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  12. A great example of change and embracing it!!

    Cheers, Jenn.

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    1. Jenn, I am so pleased you enjoyed my story. Thank you for stopping by to read and for your kind comments! ♥

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