<div class="floatright">(https://www.mediafire.com/convkey/d80f/21h8ybmnz6cjeh34g.jpg) (http://www.mediafire.com/view/21h8ybmnz6cjeh3/Kimmie.png/file)</div><br/>The red dress wins the contest, Chloe says she'll go in basic black.....We ought to look pretty cute as "friends"....<br/><br/><strong>Wednesday   Going Away Party</strong><br/><br/>Ok, Im nervous.<br/><br/>I dont like being the center of attention and this entire affair is about me.  I put on the dress and "Thank you", it feels right.  The last thing I want to do is to fight with it all night long.<br/><br/>Its short enough to let the guys know I can look the part, because some of them are still looking at me as though this is a costume of some sort.  But, its also pretty enough that the girls will appreciate my effort to look nice for the get-together.<br/><br/>Chloe.....Chloe looks perfect again...  Tastefully short black skirt, white top, boots.....touch of make-up....<br/><br/>“Take a breath Kimmie! Disaster is still off the port bow!”<br/><br/>I smile....<em>"I hate you....always all together and always looking beautiful.....you do look fantastic....Im just going to hold your hand and ride this out"</em><br/><br/>“You think this is too much? There’s a chill in the air so you need to take a sweater ”<br/><br/><em>"Yes, Mom"</em>I tease back.....<br/><br/>I grab the gift, nicely wrapped in simple paper, and we head out.  Chloe drives and we get to Hallahan's at about 5:15<br/><br/>(http://www2.pictures.stylebistro.com/gi/Ashley+Greene+Boots+Ankle+Boots+nnrdbK9jFpfx.jpg)<br/><br/>The girls from Admin are all waiting, as is Darlene.  Only 3 of the guys make it.  3 more than I expected to be honest.<br/>I introduce Chloe s a good friend of mine, to everyone.<br/><br/>The "gang" chipped in an bought me crystal vase with "Good Luck" etched into it.  It was really nice for them to do.  Of course I thank each one of them.  The girls get hugs...then the guys....my old friends from 'before'.<br/><br/><em>"Um, well thanks guys....its been a bit of unusual ride...."</em>I dont get to say more.<br/><br/>Doug, pops up out of his seat and gives me a hug....."I'll miss you Kimmie.  And yes, its Kimmie....I know...".   Larry and Kyle also give me hugs.....<br/><br/>I find Im brushing a tear away at this unexpected gesture.....<em>"I'm gonna miss you guys too...."</em><br/><br/>The drinks come and we begin laughing and remembering.  Some of the memories are my first day at work as Caoimhe....we laugh about some of the reactions and neatly 'dont recall' some of the other parts of that time.  That's when I stand up....<br/><br/><em>"I want to thank you all for coming.  This means a lot to me.  But, I wanted to take time to thank someone special."</em><br/><br/>I clear my throat and look down before gathering myself and continuing:<br/><br/><em> "In the weeks prior to my transition, Darlene was always sensitive, caring, and concerned about me.  She worried about my health which seemed to be declining in her eyes.  she stood by me as I entered this part of my life.  And, when I re-emerged, she did everything humanly possible to help me back....she was caring, helpful, not only a boss, but a co-worker and a real friend.  So....without dragging this out too much.   Darlene, I bought you a little something just for being the wonderful person that you are and how you stood by me the entire time...."</em><br/><br/>Darlene gives the best hugs!  She was really moved by the gift....showed everyone and vowed to put the charm on her bracelet that night, and 'wear it tomorrow morning'!<br/><br/>We all hung around for more than an hour....a few more drinks....lots of laughter....LOTS!   Then by ones and twos, the party began to break up.....I was the last to leave sitting there talking with Chloe, Darlene, and Lisa......<br/><br/>It wasnt as painful as I had feared.....I didnt cry once!  Unusual for me to say the least!<br/><br/>