Seven months after living full-time, Deirdre has GRS in Australia, experiencing some complications and eventually recovering. Later, she has a face-lift with mixed results. She returns to America and to an apology from her sister, who rationalizes her interference as an act of love. Her marriage family first draws away, and then completely freezes her out of their lives. She learns of her son's marriage a week after the fact, her grandchild's birth 9 months later.
Letters are unanswered and phone numbers are changed.
Heartbreak for a new woman with deepened emotions. With trepidation, Deirdre returns to her job at Iowa State. Her academic colleagues accept her and the women faculty embrace her. After another operation, her voice is serviceable. The journey is complete.