Bill becomes Jacqie

[ksteinhoff]

Shortly after I cranked up my blog on coming of age in the 60s, my
wife and I got an email from a member of the Class of 66 (my wife's
class):

"Hi lila and kenny. Its bill jackson but if you have facebook, you
will discover that many changes have taken place. It seems that after
all these years I am more comfortable as Jacqie, my female half and
counterpart. The reunion should be very interesting."

I knew Bill as a jock and musician, but my wife knew him much better.
In fact, he was her first high school date. Their dating relationship
didn't last long, but they remained close friends because they worked
together as lifeguards and swim instructors through high school and
college.

I photographed Jacqie doing Karaoke in St. Louis last fall, then
interviewed Bill on the banks of the Mississippi River on a Spring
Saturday. The next day I did the same with Jacqie.

Pulling together a video took quite a while. I'd work on it, decide
the tone wasn't right and put it away for a couple of weeks. I wanted
something that would explain the Bill / Jackie transformation to ease
the shock of classmates meeting Jacqie for the first time, but wasn't
exploitative.

Bill / Jacqie are happy with the finished product. My editing skills
have a way to go yet, but I think I did right by my old friend.

http://www.capecentralhigh.com/central-high-school/bills-transition-to-jacqie/

What has been particularly gratifying is the support and understanding
our classmates have exhibited in their comments. Maybe we DO get
better with age.

Let me know what you think.