I had a family reunion this weekend that i had intended to ignore, due to 3+ hours travel each way and while i'm 10 years post op my family has generally been very chilly towards me in the past.

I had an older cousin and then one sister put pressure on me via my wife to get me to go, and then was offered a place to sleep overnight as a lady who lives on the same property as I came with me, her mums house was less than a mile from the venue.

My friend has studied makeup and hairdressing. (woohoo personal stylist, she's an awesome friend & person)

So this morning i was refreshed and not in pain as i would have been with a long drive, i had help with hair and makeup, so looked better than any of the extended families have ever seen me.

From the moment i arrived i had cousins, aunts, uncles etc calling my name from 20 metre's away and coming over to give me a hug and kiss, i even got a hug from 5 of my brothers who attended (5 were absent).

My friend also had a great time, with a dozen+ asking if she was partner or daughter lol.

All up of the over 100 people there (many of whom were far removed from me) there was over 40 people to greet me with a hug and or kiss.

i had in part cut myself off from family due to my siblings reaction, but with a nephew's now niece's transition a few years ago, the change in my siblings was wonderful.

My niece once thanked me for opening the "door" for her, but as i have seen today, she has helped me just as much.

Basically we all need to hold onto hope, and if your invited to a family function, make the effort to go, you might just be extremely glad you did.

love & regards
Amanda