If no one has read the story "Moving On" I would encourage you to do so. It is not just a story.... It is life that many of us have lived.
It briefly describes finally coming out and able to live later in life.

The story touches more of us than anyone could possibly know. Coming out in the 60s or 70s as a preteen or teen would not have been accepted by my parents, extended family or frankly the world.

I was adopted and so is my brother (different biological parents for both) my adopted mother and father could not have children. My father had no problem with comments directed to me to not being a sissy, and man up when my brother 2 years older and much taller would attack me for little to no reason, many times because I wouldn't give him money I had earned by collecting bottles entering them in for the deposit, and later money from my paper route. Even now I don't think my brother was mentally stable. Growing up he was always in problems with the law. My mother was not much of a defense, for the most part she would just tell my brother to leave me alone so she could have some peace.

Coming out would mean disownment, physical violence and possible death do the culture in the United States back then. When I reach the age of 17 I went into the military and never went home.

We grow up doing what we have to do to survive and make the best life we can always living in fear of making a mistake and the truth coming out.

It was only much later in life after I had lost my parents to old age, times had changed enough that I felt there was a chance to survive.... as me.. that I could make the moves.... to live.... Finally Live.

When I came out to to my wife and children as transgender... I lost them all.... except my middle daughter, who in front of my wife, son and youngest daughter who were all telling me how wrong this is to do, calmly stood up walked across the room wrap her arms around me in a hug that I will never forget and said "I love you and I will be right by your side ... And then as she turned and looked at her siblings said "where all your kids should be" Mom...you have a right to be upset... But try to remember this person has taken care of you and the family for 35 years.

She will never know but by her standing by me that day.. and giving me her love and support... She saved my life. I don't know if I had the strength in me to make it through that night. I will leave it at that.

I never had the opportunity to take HRT as a young teen... So I will never be beautiful...
Four years ago I started my HRT, and with the support of my psychiatrist and my daughter lived as a androgynous woman.

I live alone now on a little 30 acre ranch in Texas. I have several horses, two dogs and a cat. And I am at peace.

After several years, my youngest daughter and my son have more or less adopted the attitude that they have no problem with my transition. Having said that I really don't hear from them. If I want to hear from them... I called them. I guess that's okay. I still love them all deeply, and I know it's hard for them. They have their own lives to live now, I do too. But I hold hope for the future. My middle daughter and I call each other and talk everyday, and see each other one or two times a week.

This year... with the support of my psychiatrist and doctors, and daughter...I will have the surgery and be and feel complete for the first time. I will finally live. It is never too late. My daughter is said she will be with me during the surgery and my recovery after. That it is not up for debate.

And that is my point of all the above. As the Cyclist story point out is an emotional journey then older transgender go through. The reading of this story is hauntingly accurate. At the same time it gives the feeling of Hope that it is never too late to be you.

If you have not read it please do so. It tells a story that is so near too many of us.

Willow