Comment from Douglas Goff

Excellent

Life is funny isn't it? It is such an enjoyable ride with all of the twists and turns and curveballs it throws us.

Glad you have such a wonderfully inclusive mind.
Great piece of writing.
D

 Comment Written 02-Dec-2023

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reply by the author on 03-Dec-2023

Thank you. See, the grammar is much better in this story, right? I still find myself thinking of Brandon as Barb at times. I have known him since high school when he was a girl.

Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill

Excellent

How brave your friend was. How hard it must be for people who don't feel they belong in their own bodies.
And having to learn to re-educate yourself on how to use this new body. Just going to the bathroom in public would be a new world. Karen

 Comment Written 01-Nov-2023

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reply by the author on 03-Nov-2023

Thank you. Sorry it took me so long to reply to these reviews. Sometimes life gets in the way of the things one needs to do.

Comment from Mary Vigasin

Excellent

I enjoyed your story and meeting Brandon. I admire you for accepting Brandon and keeping him as a friend, particularly at a time when this was not popular.
Good luck in the contest.
Best regards,
Mary

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 24-Jul-2023

Thank you. To me, there was no difference between Brandon, the man, and Barb the woman. He was still the same person.

reply by Mary Vigasin on 24-Jul-2023

Great answer

Comment from Rachelle Allen

Excellent

Wow. I don't know what to say. That must have been startling, to say the least. But at least s/he did a great job for your horses, so that part's what matters most in this situation, I guess. Interesting entry, to say the least!

 Comment Written 23-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 23-Jul-2023

Thank you. Brandon was still the same person I was friends with all those years ago. His appearance might have changed, but he was still Barb to me.

Comment from Wendy G

Excellent

That is quite an amazing story, and a well-written one for the contest. It fits the brief perfectly, but also shows how society has changed so much in the last forty or fifty years. Sending best wishes for your entry.
Wendy

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2023

Thank you. It was a different world then. I remember when I thought gay meant someone happy. The real world was a bit of a shock to me. Barb was still the same person to me after the sex-change, just different looking.

Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell

Excellent

What a really interesting story. I've heard of many, male and female, having the complete sex change and gone on to be really happy in their lives. If something is wrong, then it should be fixed. I'm really glad for your friends. This is a great contest entry, and I wish you the very best of luck. Hugs, Sandra xx

 Comment Written 21-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2023

Thank you. In those days someone like Barb was shunned by most folks. It was hard for her until she finally found some help. Barb or Brandon, she/he is still one of my best friends.

reply by Sandra Stoner-Mitchell on 21-Jul-2023

I'm really pleased about that! Too many times we hear of such negativity and bias against people who they were once close friends with, until... I'm really glad you're not one of those. xxx

Comment from GWHARGIS

Excellent

This was a fascinating story. I'm glad Barb is now happy as Brandon. And that's really wild that Sandy is now his wife. You can't make up stuff like that. Great story and good luck in the contest. Gretchen

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 21-Jul-2023

Thank you. Nope, every word of this story is true. Barb did meet Sandy later in life and they married. It was a surprise to me too. I can still see a lot of Barb in Brandon.

Comment from Katherine M. (k-11)

Excellent

What an exciting and fairy-tale like life you lead, with sex changes that allow your friends to fall in love. I had trouble believing it to be a true story, and that was without a contest that fell so neatly into your lap allowing the tale to be told. kay

 Comment Written 20-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2023

Thank you. It's a true story. One would never have guessed Brandon started out life as a girl.

Comment from LJbutterfly

Excellent

This is a contemporary, delightful story of long-lasting and sincere friendship. It sounds as though Barb overcame all sorts of challenges and possible hardships to become who she always knew she was...Brandon. This is an inspirational story with a happy, satisfying ending. Best wishes in the contest.

your the Barb I went to school with?
you're the Barb

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2023

Thank you, and thanks for the catching the grammar error. I don't know how I missed that one. To me, Brandon was still the same person I knew before, he just looked a bit different.

Comment from BethShelby

Excellent

Wow! That is an interesting story. I happens an it much be frustrating to feel you aren't who you are supposed to be. It must take a lot of courage and a lot of misunderstanding of others to deal with making the change your feel is right for you.

 Comment Written 19-Jul-2023

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reply by the author on 20-Jul-2023

Thank you. It was quite a change, but to me, Brandon was still the person I cared for when he was Barb.