Yesterday, "wife's" mother, Georgia, called her at work. This is the first time they have spoken since 1988. Georgia didn't want to apologize for throwing us out in the dead of an Indiana winter. Instead, she wanted to tell Jane, how much she has suffered having had a stroke, family members dying, divorces and raising her granddaughter Ashley who is now engaged to a drug dealer and felon. Jane, told her about our lives including this interchange.
"Kurt, is living as a woman" Jane said.
"They must be able to fix that" Georgia replied.
"No, there is no cure" Jane said.
"Are you living as husband and wife?" Georgia asked.
"No, we are not." Jane responded.
"OH, my gosh" gasped Georgia.
"His name is Margaret." said Jane.
"Is that legal to do that? asked Georgia.
"Yes, mom, it is a legal name change", Jane replied.
"I don't know what to say" Georgia said.
"I have been in touch with Kurt's mother" she continued.
"She wanted to know where you were"
"She is living in a nursing home in New York state somewhere"
The conversation went on to other personal stuff about Jane's father.
It seems probable that my mother who is still alive ( big surprise) will finally know that she has the daughter named Margaret she always wanted. Georgia would be ever so happy to dish that tidbit out to her.
I am stunned, I have not heard from my mother since 1988 too. The amazing thing is that I am in the midst of writing a chapter in my book about my childhood and she figured prominently in it .
Maggie
