(24) Whats my name, whats my name?

I decided to open up to a very close family friend last weekend... This lady comes to my home about every 6 weeks and has known Rach since she was born, a very close friend of my ex mother in law. She is in her 70s and a big church goer. I have put off telling her as I wasn't sure how her reaction would be and I am very protective of Rach. I thought it was only fair to tell her as she does see Rach from time to time and would definitely notice the changes, I didn't want to cause any embarrassment for anybody...I just came out with it, you could have knocked me down with a feather. Her reply was as if she had been waiting for me to tell her, she was not in the least bit surprised. She also went onto tell me about a family member of hers who had transitioned years ago and how it had split the family!!
I am now hoping that is how everybody will react, it makes me want to tell more people, I need it out in the open so we can get on with the changes comfortably.

I have received more cards many with w inside, it is becoming the norm now. I had a discussion with Rach and explained how I disassociate myself when reading and writing the name and it is just a formality. Rach appeared to understand where I was coming from, we did have a talk about me not verbally calling it her yet. Rach thought that when we had agreed on W I would be fine. I did explain I still see her as female so when the visual changes occur it may help. I said it would be like calling her brother by a female name when he has facial hair and a deep voice.

I also had a lovely message off an old girlfriend of Rach's, offering her support as she is not in the family circle.
She also told me the real reason for their breakup, I appreciated her honesty, she was shocked when Rach told her about the GD and she openly said she would be unable to support her through it.
It must have been a difficult time and I am glad she had the courage to walk away, allowing Rach to go through the transition without extra pressure.
Rach has got a fantastic girlfriend who is there for her and is very supportive, things do turn out good in the end!