So, Um, Huh.

The kids birthday party was this weekend. It was a great party. The chili was spicy, the artichoke dip was hot, and the cheesecake was irresistible. The kids had a wonderful time and got some great gifts. Joe especially loved several of Caden's gifts. I think his favorite is the blowdart toy my brother gave him. Of course, he really likes the cyborg as well.

Now the conversation was a little more interesting and I am still trying to digest everything that was said yesterday. There was so much I don't even know where to begin. I guess the beginning is best since starting in the middle won't make too much sense.

When I was 15 I moved in with my aunt and uncle for a summer so I could be their nanny. My cousin was 6. My aunt and uncle had just moved into a new house and wanted some help. I was always really close to my aunt and uncle. She is my godmother and I hardly remember a time when my uncle wasn't around.

About a year ago, my uncle moved to New York to work. He spent 2 weeks in New York and 2 weeks at home. It worked from them. My cousin was in college and my aunt had three dogs to keep her company. They seemed happy. It seemed like it was working for them.

I am sure you think you know where this is going but I promise you you have no idea. At the party yesterday my aunts disappeared into Caden's room and were gone for more than an hour. One of the dogs died yesterday so I thought they were talking about the dog. But then she pulled me, Joe, and some other family members aside for a private conversation. She told us her and my uncle were getting divorced...because my uncle was transitioning to a woman.

I will give you a minute to digest what I just said....ready? Good cause I am still trying to take it all in. My uncle is transitioning to a woman. He will stay in New York full time. I don't know when, or if, I will ever see him again. I am sad. I am in shock. My biggest concern his my uncle's...my aunt's????....health. He has substance abuse issues about 10 years ago and I am afraid he will fall off the wagon. His lifestyle recently has not been that of someone trying to stay sober. Of course, his substance abuse issues make more sense now.

I don't have good way to end this post. My uncle is going to be my aunt and I probably won't see him again until my cousin gets married and then maybe never again? And my poor cousin. Ugh. That is an entirely different post. How would you react if you found out, at age 20, your dad was not going to be a man anymore?