Hello everyone. My name is Dana Butler..I'm 42 years old, currently calling Texas my home. I began dressing in my early teens, but I'm hesitant to apply a label. None seem to fit appropriately. At my peak, I was dressing every weekend. In the last 3 years, I've only been able to dress 3 times. I suppose it was damaging my marriage when it was every weekend. Now, the infrequency is only damaging me. I just want to cry...run away... disappear...start over in a new town.Unfortunatley, my wife is disabled and totally dependent on me. If I were to leave she would not survive. So I have a cross to bear. It's a strange relationship in a lot of ways. I used to chat a lot in the MEOW TG Forum - but I think it has been dismantled. I made some nice friends in there, and I hope (need) to make some new ones, as I am feeliong very isolated and a bit confused lately. I look forward to meeting "yall".

hugs, Dana

You are most welcome to join us .... we'd love to have you!  I'm glad you found the forum.  You need not feel lonely, we are a friendly bunch.  You are a peach to take care of your spouse. 

Take care doll,

Chin up!

Cindi

Dana, welcome to Susan's and, as Cindi said, we are a friendly bunch.  I understand your dilemma sweetie.  I've been taking care of my elderly mother (two trips to the ER this week including getting home at 12:30AM tonight) for over 2 years now and have had no chance for Beverly to "emerge" except on the rare occasion we get another of my siblings to care for her and we get away on a little vacation (coming up in two weeks ). Yea!!!!!  This after being able to attend support group meetings at will and conferences when I could afford them before that.  I know it takes it's toll hon but it does help to have a network like the ladies here.

Welcome again,
Bev

Hi Dana,
It is so nice to meet you. I'm 56 and TS.
Have a wife, children and 4 grandkids that I love with all my heart.
Sacrifice is a part of life for many of us. And I respect you for you dedication and commitment to your wife. You not only have a pretty face but a beautiful heart to go with it. Be encouraged.
Welcome to Susan's you have found a new network of friends.
Do tell us more about yourself.

Jillieann

I would just like to add my welcome to the others Dana, and reiterate what has been said.  Caring for our parents can definitely be a burden and further complicates our troubled existences. 

We face a similar problem, but while Gillian's mom is still in fairly good health for an 86 year old we often speak about the possibility of putting her into care.  A most difficult subject to say the least, and I feel for those who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Steph

Welcome, Dana.

Y'all come visit us in Chat.

If you are spending all your energy caring for your wife, she may have to understand that you need some recuperation in the form of dressing around the house, at least.  Good luck and bright blessings.

Robyn

Quote from: Cindi Jones on March 04, 2007, 11:29:53 PM
You are most welcome to join us .... we'd love to have you!  I'm glad you found the forum.  You need not feel lonely, we are a friendly bunch.  You are a peach to take care of your spouse. 

Take care doll,

Chin up!

Cindi

hi im sandra jane yes life ain 't easy I have never crossed dressed in front of anyone its what I dream of that one day I will.       but for now I will crossdress in private yes life an''t easy

Hi Dana,

It's good to have you on board.  It seems you have a couple of crosses to bare.  As someone with a wife who is on social security disability that was fired a couple of months before reaching retirement eligibility, I understand the pressures of that.  I'm a strong believer in the "for better or worse - in sickness and health" part of our vows.  Besides, we love each other.  I hope you have that going for you.  Also, she is understanding of my G.I.D., more so than most.  It hurts of course, but we are surviving, in some ways even better for it.  I hope your situation can work through these troubles.

To quote Tinkerbell:

QuoteLet's just put it this way, if life were easy, I think it'd be boring....LOL  , it would!

As usual, she is right on, but, it's nice to be bored sometimes!

I hope you find this site most useful, and we get to visit more.

Susan Kay

as well

Hi Dana!  Welcome!!

My spouse has cerebral palsey and I'm transitioning from MtF.  Her disability has nothing to do with her mind.  She still learn and love and accept things and, although we are having a terrible time of it right now, she's still here and I'm here with her.

Why don't you try to use some of the resources here at Susan's to help educate your wife and to let her know that this isn't something evil or abnormal.  Acceptance and a disabled spouse are not mutually exclusive!

again, WELCOME ! !
helen

Hi and Welcome Diana,

Pass by often and it will not be to long till you get new friends.
(We all already are friends in some way.)

I am sure you will find support here to help you in you difficult situation.

See you around,
Serenity

Hi, Dana!

So glad you found us.  You definitely came to the right place.  Join in,  you won't be sorry you did.

You definitely need some time out.  Please message me.  I might have some ideas.

And again, welcome!

Kristi

Hello there, where in Texas are you? I may be of some assistance since I reside in the same state.