As promised, here's the update on my meeting with my sisters and the lawyer.

My housemate went with me and stayed right with me through the whole meeting. When we walked in, early, by the way, my sisters were already there, with one of my nieces. None of them would even met my eyes, so things were kinda tense for several minutes.

The lawyer showed up and we all trooped after her to the meeting room, where Mom's wishes, and the total size of her bequest to us kids was finally revealed. I cannot reveal the size of the total value, but suffice it to say it would finance my complete transition, through surgery and everything else needed.

Thanks, however, to Mom's perspicacity, none of us will be getting a lump sum. We will be receiving monthly payments, tailored to the needs of each of us, individually.

Anyway, during the meeting, we all talked, but the atmosphere was somewhat...frosty. I did kid a bit with my sisters and they seemed to respond, but not the way they would have before. Throughout the whole meeting, my niece refused to meet my eyes, or even look at me, which saddened me. Maybe I expected too much from all of them, but I thought their intelligence, which ALL of them have, would win out over prejudice and narrow-minded, religious dogma. Guess I should have known better, huh?

After the meeting, I stayed behind to discuss my...unique requirements and needs with the lawyer, who is, again, an old family friend. She started our private discussion with, "You look good! Very nice." I thanked her, of course, and then got down to the meat of what I need.

I told her about needing an orchiectomy, as well as wanting, NEEDING, to get free of Social Services assistance. It's become a self image, self confidence thing with me now. I also broached the possibility of replacing my old, male clothing, as well as getting a decent wig or two, reminding her that my sister, the executor of Mom's will, does not want to hear about 'those' things. I'll be depending on the lawyer to intercede for me, with my sister, since she seems to understand what I'm going through and what I'm facing, transition-wise.

My housemate, Tina, told me, after the meeting was over and we were in the car, that she was just waiting for one of my sisters or my niece to say ANYTHING out of line to me, at which point she was going to verbally dismember them, saying something like,

"What is wrong with you people? Can't you see that Cathy is the same person she always was, just in a different package? _I_ love her just the way she is, and I'm just her friend! Why can't you three wake up?" Tina is a real friend, and I love her so much.

So, now I wait some more. Disbursements/payments from Mom's legacy can begin almost immediately, but we do have to wait 7 months, legally, to allow any creditors that might still have claims against her. (There are none, but we have to wait the required time anyway.)

What it boils down to is, whatever I end up getting, it's more than I had before. I'd rather have Mom still here, but that isn't possible, so I intend to get my fair share by whatever means necessary. That might sound mercenary, but it really is just looking out for my interests, and getting what Mom WANTED me to have. I hate, absolutely HATE to have to be at odds with my sisters, but it's their choice, not mine.

Besides, my REAL family, those who love me and help me and stand by me, is here, online. Along with my friends and co-workers, YOU are my family, my family of choice, and I do love you all AS family.

Thanks for being there, for listening, for everything.

Now and forever,
Catherine Lindad Michel