I just loved this dress so much...For many, the Southern Comfort Conference (SCC) in Atlanta, Georgia is a "Coming Home" for those who found themselves among family for the first time. For others, it's a place we can step out of our mirrors and into reality to leave ones former reflection behind.
This was my second SCC conference - Like the year before, I met many new friends and a few from the year before. There are many people who will make an impression on you - some good and some unexpected.
This year I met a new friend that changed the way I feel about myself that went beyond any cure a surgeon or therapist could ever unlock... It was the gift of "sisterhood of the soul".
Well, turns out this dress was the catalyst that would lead to our first conversation. I REALLY loved this dress -AND- so did she; so much so that I ended up giving her the dress!
I had just bought this dress not more than 1 week or so before SCC - it was not the most unique dress or even close to "cat walk" special - but, being a 36DD, you take ANY dress that will fit you; especially when it fits you as well as this one did. (Actually, this was only the 2nd time I had worn it.)
A gentleman near by in the Hotel lounge took this picture of me wearing my special dress for what would be the last time. It was my hope I could go back home and find another one in my size. Well, I DID go back home and I DID find another dress... the same size and color... but, at the last moment, I put the dress back...
Instead, I drove back home and put this picture in a frame from my SCC week in September. Now each time I see it , I can think back to that special person who will live within the walls of my heart, and as the dress to remember.
-Chloe
After thought: Is there someone that has touched your heart in some immeasurable way? Its amazing what the gift of a dress can do for you... and will bring to others. Show them you care - go out of your way - make them a priority for no reason at all... surprise them on the first Sunday morning of the month and give them the gift of love that can only be exchanged the way 2 women can understand.
Chloe,
ReplyDeleteYou left an impression on my. First off, I have been following your blog for a while and to actually meet you, if only for a few minutes, was amazing. We did not get a chance to get to know each other but you said that I need to "go for it" and transition.
The biggest impression was from Donna Rose, who was so amazingly gracious, even introducing me in the middle of her talk, absolutely blew me away. I have been on a SCC high for four weeks! And its is all because of the graciousness, openness and kindness of so many women and men who all share in the amazing experience.
love you,
Ally Morgan
My Grandmother spent a lot of time as I was growing up about Native American traditions, and one she mentioned was that if someone truly admired something, you gave it to them.
ReplyDeleteWould that more in this day and time were so inspired!
Your dress was lovely, as are you!
alan
Hi Chloe, thanks for following my blog :) albiet rarely updated LOL, great story and glad to hear the gift of the dress actually gave both of you something special to remember forever.
ReplyDeleteLots of love - Bree
(p.s, just got my FFS assessment back from DR Suporn, would love to hear of your experiences with him)
Beautiful dress, and you look great in it. :-)
ReplyDeleteBTW...my recent trip to Thailand with my friend was to pay a visit to Suporn :-) (having spotted that on your profile)
hi!
ReplyDeletethanks for dropping by my new blog. I have a much older and longer one on OpenDiary.com, you can search for the authorname bloomingTSGirl.
We (Sweety, my wife and I) haven't made it to Southern Comfort yet, although we really want to. School schedules keep interfering. Our local group here in DC is helping host the IFGE conference here in February.
Hi Chloe I have found my way in here at last I m still trying to learn how to use this site,I will get there though,it never stops to amaze me Chloe you just have a great taste music I seem to love everyt tune you put in here.
ReplyDeleteLeah M.
Dearest Chloe,
ReplyDeleteI felt compelled to write after reading your "dress to remember" picture. What a wonderful story and what a precious gift to give your friend. I have only recently dared to take steps into cyberspace after many years of looking on forlornly from the outside. Sophie (i.e. me) has lived in a very dark box for so many years, only knowing utter insecurity and rejection, but finally I had the courage to come out and speak to others on line.
Your precious description of the gift called "sisterhood of the soul" describes perfectly the almost overwhelming experience I have had in the last four months. First of all a wonderful and precious GG friend, who is the first person I have ever come out to voluntarily and second, the most beautiful and sweet person of our "kind" whom I met on-line. To have and be held a sister by these two special women is an extra-ordinary gift, of course usually denied to those born male.
I just felt moved to say thank you for finding the words for me that describe what I have been experiencing these last few months. I am so happy for you too, Chloe, as I know just how precious the feeling is. Thank you for your words, thank you for your honesty about life's struggles, thank you for the inspiration that you continue to be to our community. God bless you precious sister!
Love
Sophie Meheux
xxx
This post is so "Sisterhood of the Traveling dress" kind of thing, I love it. This was a great post Chloe, a wonderful story.
ReplyDeleteI'm blessed to have had (and continue having) special moments in my life like this.
You're doing great!