A quick update, and an eye-opening realization.
Mom is sitting up and the doctors say she's doing well. She's not up for visitors, so y'all wait before you line up at her door. Thanks for your concern.
Now the stunner for me:
Thinking back on yesterday, I now realize the enormity of what I'd done. It was surreal, but so right, that I introduced myself as Mom's daughter Stephanie to so many people, and so affirming that I was accepted as such unquestioningly. Better yet, both Mom and her hubby introduced me to everyone that way as well (even though hubby subsequently misgendered and deadnamed me the rest of the day).
Here's how I'd met everyone, as I finally toasted the end of a stressful day:
Another related story: There was a strange moment in the waiting room, when the nurse at the desk was calling around, trying to figure out where my mom was in pre-op so I could visit. She apparently misunderstood when I said daughter, and told the person on the other end that [Mom]'s
mother Stephanie was trying to find her. At least she got the gender right, if not the age. [emoji4]
Stephanie