Rural Saskatchewan couple describes transgender love story

Five years ago, Brice Buddmade the decision that would change forever his life and the life of his wife, Pat.

He revealed thathis true gender was female and that he wanted to transition into being a woman.

Brice Budd became Laura Budd. Keeping the secret had become worse than making the change.

"It was horrible. I felt bad, a lot of guilt and shame by keeping thesecret," Laura Buddsaid in an interview with Saskatoon Morning host Leisha Grebinski.

"I was scared of losing everything, my life, my family."

For her part, Pat Budd was frightened that she was going to lose the partner she had loved for two decades.Not to mention that, five years ago, she had never even heard the term "transgender."

The only thing I can say is that I love her.- Pat Budd

Not to mention they lived in small town Saskatchewan.

It took counselling, and soul searching.

But love is love.

"The only thing I can say is that I love her, y'know? I have loved her for 26 years and it simply did not change that," said Pat Budd.

Since then, the couple have been overwhelmed by the support and acceptance from their family and the community.

"I think we both are constantly surprised where out support comes from," Pat Budd said.

"It's amazing, the people who come up to us and say, 'Wow, you guys are so awesome.'" It constantly surprises me that people we hardly know come up to us and say what we're doing is amazing and keep going."