Josy’s New Adventures

Late last year I posted an article here about my transition and move to Florida. A lot has happened since I last posted here.

JANUARY

In January I reconnected with my friend Ann, a lesbian from Kentucky. She owns a farm in Kentucky and came to Florida to manage the affairs of her ex partner, Liz, who was in a coma after brain surgery in November. Ann and I went to lunch etc. and generally grew close together. As our relationship grew Ann suggested that I move in with her to keep her company. Although the the idea appealed to me, my estranged spouse, Dora, was living with me at the time. Although transphobic and  homophobic she came to Florida to be near her father who had hip surgery. About the time Ann appeared on the scene, Dora’ s father had died and my relationship with Dora had soured to the point that I planned to ask her to leave.

FEBRUARY

On the morning of Valentines Day , Dora unexpectedly died in my living room. After coming home from the hospital, I called Ann to come pick me up . . . and I moved in with her.? Ann helped me when I took care of Dora’s final arrangements. She helped me clean out Dora’ s clothes and discovered that Dora’s clothes fit her perfectly. So I gave some of Dora’ s clothes to her. When my grown daughters came to town they were very suspicious of Ann’s relationship with me, but Ann’s charm and wit won them over.

MARCH

In March Ann and  I spent time visiting Liz in the hospital. Despite the efforts of the doctors, Liz remained in a coma. Ann and I comforted one another the best we could regarding the sudden death of Dora and the on-going coma of Liz.

APRIL

In April Ann’s ex died, and I was there to help her as she made the final arrangements for her ex. Liz had designated Ann as her primary beneficiary, and Ann was charged with organizing Liz’s house and office for probate. Together we began this process. When we cleaned out Liz’ s closets, I found out that I loved her clothes and Ann gave me some of Liz’s clothes.

MAY

In May, Ann drove me to Chicago from Florida for Dora’s memorial service. Dressed in one of Liz’ s sharp suits, we celebrated Dora’s life . . . and announced my transition to my friends and family. Before the ceremony I was petrified. Ann told me not to worry. To my surprise everyone including my daughters and brothers supported my decision to live as a female.

JUNE

Ann took me to a steakhouse for my birthday. On the way there she stopped and bought me flowers. (I cried tears of joy!) With Ann’s help I filed a petition with court to have my name legally changed to Josephine. One of my daughters came and stayed with Ann and I to celebrate her birthday. Ann took us on a boat tour of the St. John’s river. She had such a good time, that she plans to come back.

JULY

We spent the 4th of July as the overnight guests of my aunt (age 90) who lives 2 hours away. This was the first time that I brought an overnight guest to a relative’s house. She welcomed us with open arms. We are returning to her home during July for a family birthday party. Ann  is now managing Liz’s probate estate. She continues to help me grow and I continue to support Ann in her efforts to manage Liz’s estate. At the end of July I appeared before a judge in Florida (wearing some of stylish clothes I “inherited” from Liz) and petitioned to have my name legally changed. When asked by the Judge why I wanted my name changed to Josephine I told her that I had begun my transition in Illinois and that it was time to change my name to a name that matched who I was. She agreed and changed my name to Josephine!

The Future

It has been the worst of times and the best of times. Ann inheritance is still in the middle of probate. One day we clean out cabinets, the next go see the attorney, and the next go to the beach! Some day this will be resolved and I will be there helping Ann.? The future is of course uncertain and unknown. Today I am a healthy, happy,empowered person because of Ann. I thank God for her love and friendship.
Peace and love,
Josy

Tags: featured, Identity, personal story, Transgender

Category: Transgender Body & Soul