This afternoon, I went to my Mother's to give her a signed copy of my book. (Headlights Girl) Despite my sisters disapproval, Mom LOVED her gift, LOVED the pic of me, ( http://files.tgsa.net/Pict0015.JPG ) hugged me, and told me that she loves me, no matter what. Of course, she'd rather have me stay as her son, but she's perfectly willing to accept me as her daughter. I was dressed in drab when I went there, and remained that way throughout our talk.

We spent a couple of minutes crying happy together, and then I answered several questions for her. My answers seemed to satisfy her initial confusion, and she seemed to understand that this TS thing is something one is born with. She has even watched several documentaries on A&E and other educational channels about TS's, and her questions were intelligent and understandingly phrased.

Mom is 80 and, although still very alert and "with it," she is in failing health, on oxygen, inhalers, and now is courting incipient diabetes. She speaks haltingly, because of a few mini-strokes that have inhibited her speech, but not her intellect. She knows the words she wants to say, she just gets them wrong, or stumbles over them sometimes.

I'm so pleased that I was able to connect with her on this and get her acceptance and assurances of love and support. Although I was fairly sure she'd be the way she is about it, it was still a big weight off my shoulders, knowing that she understands and still loves me. I wish for the same understanding and love for every one of you out there.

I want to wish everyone out there a very happy holiday season, and remind everyone that, although we are hard upon Thanksgiving, we are also marking our own Day Of Remembrance, for our sisters and brothers who have been taken from us by ignorance and bigotry. We must never forget them, nor the reasons why they were taken from us. http://www.rememberingourdead.org/day/where.html

Goddess Bless all of you and yours. Count your blessings and pray for those lost to us. Pray also that our day is coming. Through education we can overcome the fear and misunderstanding that society has about us. People fear what they don't understand, and they hate what they fear. It's up to every one of us to educate people, wherever we go, so we all will have better days ahead.

With gratitude and love, I am,
Catherine Linda Michel