My Timeline (w/photos)

[AnneB]

Sarah, I have no words to describe my joy for your journey!  I just read thru the entire thread.  I laughed.  I cried.  I smiled.  I envied.  I am so happy for you and the person you always wanted to become.  From your very first picture, to your last update, I felt the joy you have lived and so wanted it to be perfection for you.  I am so overjoyed that your wife is your greatest supporter.  Your struggles inspire us all, and make us wish our own journey goes as smoothly.

Your final hurtle.  Your name change.. October 8th, 2013, is the day I began my own transition.  From your ending, to my beginning.  Starting to read about your journey, I had no idea we would be connected this way.  I pray for you that your life is truly blessed, and it is everything you ever want!

May Peace and Love go with you all the days of your life!  <3


(ok, maybe I had a few words)   

[kathyk]

Wow.  I remember your posts from way back in the fall of 2012 when you put up several pre HRT photos.  You already had feminine features and yet the change you've gone through is stupendous.  I'm going to be jealous for a day. 

So again ... wow, just wow. 

Oh yeah, changing name, gender marker, and birth certificate really is freedom.  I'll never forget the Judge saying something about me smiling as he read the Court Decree, but every time I think about him saying "Congratulations Katherine" it brings back that smile.

[Sarah Anne]

@Kellibra - Thank you so much!

@AnneB - Thank you for your very kind words! I hope that my thread does indeed encourage others who like myself, considered this to be all but impossible. When I started reading other people's stories, I was convinced that my window of opportunity was until age 25. After that, I was stuck being a guy...deal with it...nothing will change. Then I started seeing a few people that went after this later in life and I thought "really!? You mean there is hope!?" There are physical attributes about myself that I cannot change and I've simply gotten over them. Women do really come in all shapes and sizes and it has more to do with your presentation and aura then it does your physical appearance.

I applaud you for starting your journey! Depending upon how far along you are, who knows it's happening and how all that will play out, I know what you're feeling right about now. I expected this to be a long, drawn out process that would take years to finish. But once it started...OMG! The snowball picked up momentum and it seems like it happened in a flash. The awkward transition stage where you start to be called ma'am while in guy mode is the WORST! If there is anything I absolutely hated about the whole thing, it was those few months where I thought I'd go insane. Where people start wondering what you're up to or you get ma'amed in front of a friend who doesn't know you're doing this. BLAH! I REALLY wish you the best through that stage but excited for you to hit all of them! Feel free to PM me if you ever want to share or have any questions!! Take care ^_^

@KathyK - Thanx! And don't stay jealous for too long I do admit that when I started out before I got on HRT, things started to change. I think the body knew this was inevitable. But getting rid of the beard is perhaps the biggest change that is noticeable towards a feminine appearance.
I'm glad your judge was happy for you. Mine didn't even tell me I was approved...he just thanked me and told me to step down. I went out in the hall with my attorney and asked "ummmm....so am I Sarah now!?" She laughed and said "What did you want??? A fanfare!?" So I guess my judge wasn't really into people doing this. And in my county, we are a VERY rare breed. But I don't care what he thought....only that he did it. Ahhh good times

I forgot to post an updated timeline of transformation. So here is the most recent one I have as of Jan 2014. Click to enlarge.

[Shantel]

Pretty amazing Sarah Anne, who would have possibly guessed that you would have such a stellar transition? And now I can only imagine the number of people who would never recognize you from your former self. Happy for you dear! 

[Sarah Anne]

Thanx Shantel!
It's funny you say that...because 2 weeks ago I was at my local pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions. I was the 3rd person in line waiting when I noticed the woman checking out at the register. It was the girl I had dated prior to the wife I have now. We dated from 2004 to 2007. We broke up on good terms but didn't stay in touch. So I knew darn well that she was aware I had transitioned because we hung around some of the same social circles, but I had not seen her since.

So my heart rate suddenly flies out of control as I worry about coming face to face with her for the first time. I was hoping she didn't notice me! Well low and behold, there was a problem with her order and they told her to step out of line while they checked it out. She turned around and walked towards me, stopped and stood DIRECTLY next to me. My initial thought was "OMG! She knows me!!!!". I looked over at her and our eyes locked. She smiled and then started looking at her watch. Then she started looking around the store as though time was simply passing away. SHE DID NOT KNOW ME! Then I was suddenly faced with "do I say HI!? Do I tell her who I am!? Should I put us both in that awkward situation!?"

I left it go....she got called back up, picked up her bag, passed me on the way out and never gave me a second glance. This is a person I had an intimate relationship with for several years not that long ago...and to her I was just a lady in line to pick up her meds.  My mind had not been blown in quite some time and by golly, it freakin' exploded! I got out to my car, looked in the mirror and cried. I was overwhelmed. Not only was there the stress of her possibly recognizing me, but then the realization that my male identity truly was gone. I was so happy I could do nothing BUT cry!

[Shantel]

What a great affirmation of what we are all seeing here, great story hon, thanks for sharing. Now all the rest of can say if only.....

[Alaia]

Wow Sarah, such an incredible transition! I'll probably be 40-41 by the time I'm where you're at now, so this is very inspiring for me. I can only hope that I rock my transition as well as you have yours.

Thank you so much for sharing! 

[Jamiep]

Sarah, you are looking fabulous! Your mention of seeing your ex & to her you are a woman, the man is gone & so is trans. I can imagine your heart pounding...you did the right thing. I understand your tears. I recently saw Meghan Andrews latest Youtube video, she has had all her surgeries & she says the the trans part of her life is gone, she is a woman (you look a bit like her). I see her that way too.

I totally agree with you in the post about presentation & aura trumps physical appearance. I saw a medium once & she mention I have a huge aura & even though I can't transition, when I get enfemme one actress friend picked up on my aura that my spirit come out in character as woman.

I also have documented my journey over the last 12 years, it is very useful in sharing amongst my accepting family. My nephew liked the pics lol. My niece liked the story of my journey. She is a University Prof. on women. I have a female friend also Prof. at the University of Toronto re women too, & I have been invited to two of her trans workshops with her students which of course I went as the woman I am.

Revel in your womanhood & have a Happy life! I hope you drop in here when you can. So pleased for you.
Hugs
Jamie

[Jill F]

Thanx Shantel!
It's funny you say that...because 2 weeks ago I was at my local pharmacy to pick up some prescriptions. I was the 3rd person in line waiting when I noticed the woman checking out at the register. It was the girl I had dated prior to the wife I have now. We dated from 2004 to 2007. We broke up on good terms but didn't stay in touch. So I knew darn well that she was aware I had transitioned because we hung around some of the same social circles, but I had not seen her since.

So my heart rate suddenly flies out of control as I worry about coming face to face with her for the first time. I was hoping she didn't notice me! Well low and behold, there was a problem with her order and they told her to step out of line while they checked it out. She turned around and walked towards me, stopped and stood DIRECTLY next to me. My initial thought was "OMG! She knows me!!!!". I looked over at her and our eyes locked. She smiled and then started looking at her watch. Then she started looking around the store as though time was simply passing away. SHE DID NOT KNOW ME! Then I was suddenly faced with "do I say HI!? Do I tell her who I am!? Should I put us both in that awkward situation!?"

I left it go....she got called back up, picked up her bag, passed me on the way out and never gave me a second glance. This is a person I had an intimate relationship with for several years not that long ago...and to her I was just a lady in line to pick up her meds.  My mind had not been blown in quite some time and by golly, it freakin' exploded! I got out to my car, looked in the mirror and cried. I was overwhelmed. Not only was there the stress of her possibly recognizing me, but then the realization that my male identity truly was gone. I was so happy I could do nothing BUT cry!

That is one of the best stories I've ever read.   Well played, madame! 

[930310]

You look great and you sound happy and confident with yourself, good job! 

[Jodi.LP]

I used to come to this thread all the time as a "lurker" and I just wanted toncome back and say, as a member, that your transition is awesome and ur beautiful

[JLT1]

Unbelievable...Wow...Beautiful

Hugs,

Jen

[Sarah Anne]

Thank you all once again! Your comments are wonderful affirmations that I made the right choice. Not that I have doubted proceeding with transition...but every now and then I think "geesh...this used to be so much easier!" Like mornings for instance. I could spring out of bed and be dressed and ready and out the door in 15 minutes. Today, it's an hour and 15 minutes! And of course the wardrobe costs have tripled. On the other hand, when someone helps me load something into my SUV or holds open a door when I approach, I get that "wow...that's new!" feeling. The plusses far outweigh the cons in my book. But on occasion my wife will look at me with sad eyes and say "sometimes I really miss my husband." Hearing that often gets my guilt engine running....but she reaffirms that I am the best girlfriend she has ever had! ^_^

[Shantel]

Thank you all once again! Your comments are wonderful affirmations that I made the right choice. Not that I have doubted proceeding with transition...but every now and then I think "geesh...this used to be so much easier!" Like mornings for instance. I could spring out of bed and be dressed and ready and out the door in 15 minutes. Today, it's an hour and 15 minutes! And of course the wardrobe costs have tripled. On the other hand, when someone helps me load something into my SUV or holds open a door when I approach, I get that "wow...that's new!" feeling. The plusses far outweigh the cons in my book. But on occasion my wife will look at me with sad eyes and say "sometimes I really miss my husband." Hearing that often gets my guilt engine running....but she reaffirms that I am the best girlfriend she has ever had! ^_^

She's a real peach Sarah Anne, cling to her hon! (no pun intended)

[930310]

Thank you all once again! Your comments are wonderful affirmations that I made the right choice. Not that I have doubted proceeding with transition...but every now and then I think "geesh...this used to be so much easier!" Like mornings for instance. I could spring out of bed and be dressed and ready and out the door in 15 minutes. Today, it's an hour and 15 minutes! And of course the wardrobe costs have tripled. On the other hand, when someone helps me load something into my SUV or holds open a door when I approach, I get that "wow...that's new!" feeling. The plusses far outweigh the cons in my book. But on occasion my wife will look at me with sad eyes and say "sometimes I really miss my husband." Hearing that often gets my guilt engine running....but she reaffirms that I am the best girlfriend she has ever had! ^_^

Such a sweet and caring wife you have.

[Sarah Anne]

She really is! And as I've mentioned before, she is kinda what got me to where I am in the first place. I told her before we got married that I was more female than male. And from that moment on, she started treating me like Sarah. I was given freedom to explore and experiment and even while I was doing it, I told her I never imagined a day that I would be living "AS" a female. But as many of you know from experience, once you get going, it's hard to stop. She is the most important person in the world to me. And the fact that she knows she is, makes it tolerable to live a lifestyle like the one we now call ours. I would be lost without her!

[Jenny07]

So happy for you Sarah that things are so much better.
You are so lucky to have such a supportive partner.
Wish I had some one like you have as this is so hard alone.

Jen

[spx_1112]

Sarah Anne.   How are doing with the hormones and your breasts?  Any issues or complications?  What's the best part of the last year?  Are you still doing electrolysis?  Are you planning any further changes or surgeries?  Hugs Shannon

[Sarah Anne]

Hi Shannon!

So far so good on hormones. I get checked again in April to make sure everything is ok. My blood pressure has been through the roof and my other Dr. is working on getting that under control. But I don't know if it's related to hormones or not. My breasts haven't made any significant progress. Still on the upper side of A, hoping they continue to a B.  The best part of last year? Has to be legally becoming Sarah! I still get all giddy when I look at my driver's license

I go for maintenance LHR every 7-8 weeks. I've never done electrolysis....only laser. Body hair has really slowed down in the past few months and has become much finer in certain areas. As far as future plans or surgeries, I hope to have an orchiectomy in the next year so I can back my medication levels way down. Other than that, there really isn't anything else I'm going after.

Sarah

[spx_1112]

What a wonderful update!  What else can you tell me and others about what we should do?  You look amazing. Hugs