The Perfect Gift

Target Gift Card: $25

New Nintendo Switch game: $60

The perfect birthday outfit: $40

Getting words of encouragement from your wonderful cousin: Priceless

This birthday weekend didn’t quite match up to last year’s fun, but 40 only comes around once in a lifetime. I’ll get back to Jean Bonnet this fall or close to the holidays, maybe both. I will use that gift card to Aristacuts soon, I promise. This birthday and this Fourth of July trip to the Gaffron farm was special because I got to see my Chicago family. I also received a priceless gift from my cousin, and we cried wonderful tears. Emily’s husband gave us both a tissue to dry our eyes and wipe away the happy tears. Emily and I are both active on social media, and her words of encouragement are just amazing.

What is it about girls named Emily and Sara who are always calling me an inspiration or who are one themselves?

Katie, Matt, and Annabelle gave me a gift card for Target. I’ll spend that on an outfit or some jewelry. What I really want for my birthday is t know that I’m accepted and loved. I was about to receive that gift from my Chicago cousin.

Last year was special because I was turning 40 and because if the hype leading up to the big day. Getting to celebrate at Jean Bonnet Tavern as well as the Olive Garden meant the world to me. Bedford has the look and feel of a Hallmark town, just like Ligonier, Indiana, and Canonsburg.

In between my birthdays, I was having doubts about my gender nonconformity. I was gaining more confidence but my family was having doubts about it. I also quit attending church last fall because I needed a break. I’m fine right now with keeping it that way. I almost abandoned my gender nonconformity completely because I wasn’t feeling encouraged nor was I hearing it from anyone. I almost went back to church and felt like I’d have to drop my uniqueness because it wouldn’t look good. I walked away from that decision though and I feel better for it.

I sat at the picnic table with family and across from me was Emily. She listened as I broke down to her about my gender nonconformity and told me how beautiful I was and how inspiring I am to people who are going through the same thing. She told me how loved I am and then the rest of my family stood with me. She also encouraged me to rock that nice outfit that I’ve been afraid to show off. I even told her about the pink cherry dress and my ULTA Beauty Box that Rob and Sara got me for Christmas.

Just like everyone else has said to me, “Be You”. I plan to take those words to heart and will be nothing less than I am.

Sometimes the perfect gift is one that money can’t buy.

Bye everyone. ❤️ you.