Paula, I am going throw something out in terms of circumstance and when I do this, I am not in any way attempting to be demeaning of you or anyone else. If a Cis Gender woman who was a mother of a child was to be given an ultimatum that she become a man in order for her child to not suffer unimaginably, she would do so without hesitation. She herself might suffer unimaginably by identity issues, but she would rather it be her than her child.
Now take a 30 year old who went through a similar tidal wave as you have, and discover or accept their true identity. They have a child, or children who would be completely devastated by a transition. (especially in a rural community) In an almost feminine aspect, the would be transitioner will delay if not forgo transitioning completely for their children.
When you were younger, with children perhaps it might have been different. Different because then you had lives depended on you. you had a greater cause than your own. I believe that is why we see people transitioning at either a very young age, or in midlife. Before or after such circumstances occur. ( I know there are stories of transition and family acceptance in the middle of it all) but those are far rarer than those who transition during this time and the end result being total devastation of the family.
I honestly believe that is why we see so many 40+ y/o members who are coming back into CDing after decades of absence. It is not the only reason, I believe there are many, both for CD and TS, but that is definitely among the bigger ones.
