My teenage son, Odysseus , wrote today from the Greek Isle of Hydra to inform me of his delay in getting home to the US after a holiday trip. “There’s a storm and Poseidon won’t let us leave for two more days. I’ll be here, slaying the dragon. Don’t worry about me.” He had found a port in the storm even as his travel companion was freaking out about the sudden change, predicting death by Aegean Sea.  For this reason in Homer’s day, Odysseus left his mom at home.

My son’s typical daily journey – not on a Greek Isle – hosts many of us in various combinations.  It’s mostly beautiful, sometimes harrowing, usually everything in-between.  And frequently epic.  Son, Sibs, Mom, Dad (previously Mama; that’s me), Step Mom/Dad, Step Mom, Grandfolks, Oma, Aunts, Uncles, Ex’s, Cousins, Friends old and new:  all family on many journeys, including one shared.

This is a blog about parenting through transition, specifically the kind when a mom becomes a dad, and when family becomes an umbrella term.  But let’s not stop there.  After all, people transition every day, in many ways.  You may be surprised to find there’s much universality in the American transgender experience.  I’ve noticed some;  have you, too?

This blog is not only about learning with and about children; it’s about family, connection and civic life in postmodern times.  Perhaps, even, post-postmodern times.

From this man’s transgender – and variously transitional – experiences, what’s old often becomes new again, especially on a long journey in a sea of change.  Button up.