RANSVESTIA

thing we'd have to watch was that she'd sometimes call me "daddy" in public! Fortunately, no one ever overheard her.

One night at the drive-in shortly thereafter, Judy asked me if I had Elsie ever picked out a girl's name. I replied, "Yes, many years ago Ruth." It was then and there that I was first called Elsie, and it sounded nice.

About a week later, after supper, while I was dressing and fixing my face, Judy and little Judy slipped out of the house.. When they returned, it was with a great deal of excitement.

"We've decided that July 31st will be Elsie's birthday from now on," Judy announced, "so we bought her a few birthday presents."

First, they handed me a lovely birthday card, "for you, Sister." It read, "Thank you for listening, for loving, for being you. Happy Birthday."

This card, written and addressed as it was, gave real meaning to Elsie as a person, and means as much to me as any birthday card I've ever received.

Then they gave me the presents, a pair of pierced round post earrings with an "E" on them, and a heart necklace with a watch in it. Quickly I removed my earrings and put these new ones in, and also hung my watch necklace around my neck. To complete the occasion, they both sang "Happy Birthday to Elsie"! I can't describe the wonder- ful feeling THAT gave me!

Then we all drove down to the beach, where the three of us took a nice stroll on the boardwalk and along the waterfront. We sat on a bench to rest and just watch the people fishing. Elsie wore her best dress, a light blue number with short sleeves, and white flats which are good for walking in sand. A shoulder length brunette wig with a light blue scarf that matched my dress completed the outfit.

There was a gentle breeze blowing, and the cool night air felt good to us after the hot day. Elsie felt especially good after this most wonder- ful surprise birthday party. She felt more loved and wanted than ever before, and deeper in love and more grateful to my A-wife and darling daughter than at any time in recent memory. In short, Elsie was the happiest girl in the world that night!