My Father Crossed over Dec 4 2015

This is a photo of me and my dad before his passing Dec 4, 2015. Today is the five year anniversary of his passing. He never understood what it was to be transgender but I was his child and that was enough for him. He didn't care what his rich upper middle class neighbors said about my visits to his townhome. He never withheld his love for me and the last time I hugged him, he said goodbye sweetheart instead of goodbye son. His nickname for me growing up was Tiger. 

You see JB, that's why I was so emotional the day I met you in Durham. For a brief moment, I saw my father in you when I looked into your eyes. My dad was a lot like you. He was empathetic and compassionate. He felt people's pain. He felt his children's pain as well. He was also a Devout Catholic and Irishman. Also from County Cork Ireland. You both gave me a second chance at life. At living my authentic self. 

Síle