Everyone has been very helpful with this. I like the way Dr Mike put it - I have the same options as others. I had not thught of it that way. I also appreciate the post about people who know me as myself mattering, to heck with the rest of them.

I don't know what I will do when the time comes. I am a manager at a retail store. A lot of public contact. At this time I'm not sure if I will be able to speak well enough to return to my job or not. I'm trying not to worry about it until January. I will search the older posts - I probably should get in the habit of doing that first anyway. Thanks to all - and the barking made me laugh!