I haven't felt that I had enough to share that I should blog before now. Yesterday, everything changed.

I enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1973, reenlisted in 1976 and was discharged in 1980. This is also known as part of the Vietnam Era. Until 2004, I'd never investigated the Veterans Administration and benefits available to all veterans. I used the GI Bill benefit to pay for my BSCS because that was a major reason for enlisting in the first place. Moving around the country every few years as I changed employers wasn't conducive to enrolling the in health system and all my employers provided health insurance anyway. My last "permanent" position downsized me in 2004 and when I turned to the county for psychological counseling and psych medications, I was turned away and told I had to use the VA.

Since then, I've been employed about half the time and always in a different location. When I was convicted of OVI, my driver's license was suspended so I had to use shanks mare, the local bus service or cabs to get around. Again, not conducive to accessing a VA hospital or clinic. I wouldn't ask for a day off, either, because each job was a short term contract and I wouldn't rixk early termination. It's unfortunate this also meant my wife had no insurance either but we managed to live through it.

Last April, I became employed again but wasn't required to move to my company's office. Instead, I telecommute daily and that has worked out to everyone's satisfaction. I remain in a bedroom community near Charleston, SC, where a fully staffed VA hospital and several satellite clinics are available. I've been in this system for a few years now and am comfortable with my psych counselor and primary care provider.

I expected the VA could not provide HRT for a MtF. Instead, I contacted each Endocrinologist I found in the region. All but one either ignored me or refused me. Since this is The Holy City and full to the brim with Southern Baptists and other religious and political conservatives, this came as no surprise. That one agreed was the amazing thing. Because I have only VA as health insurance, however, I was made to request a For-Fee Consult from my doctors. When I brought this up, my primary asked, "Why don't you contact our Endo's first?" so I agreed and she arranged a consult.

Yesterday was the day.

I am now fully amazed that a government agency will fully support my transition. My endo explained everything I already know about the regimen, took my history and agreed on one condition, that I quit smoking. Wow! Is that all I have to do? Quit smoking? Okay! Prescribe the patch!!

My wife doubts I will quit smoking. I'm certain I will. I won't let myself think about quitting when finally my life is at stake. I've never not wanted to die while in the closet. For this chance to live as me, cigarettes are almost a no-brainer.

So, this blog will be where I journal my life, my transition, my becoming. I'll still participate in the forums, offering my compassion and advice as I've tried to do in the past. Participation here is welcome. Your comments can add insight to what I write, what I learn, what I need and what I offer. Please, take my hand and walk with me On The Journey.