Happier, Finally

His life hadn’t been the easiest. He was barely 13 when his mom died. He knew his life was going to be far different as a result. Not just because of his mother’s unexpected death. He’d told her all of his unfiltered feelings three years prior when he got his first period at ten years old. She’d been the only one that’d supported him after that. Everyone else told him he was born Female and had to live as one. Despite everyone knowing he wore mostly clothes that was considered boy clothes. It was her support that helped him through that.

His mother had given everyone and ultimatum. Not to mention she’d shamed everyone on top of that. She was a devout Southern Baptist who practiced what she preached. Love and acceptance of everyone. She let Michael repeat everything he’d told her. That he’d always known who he was. It just happened to go against the grain. That she was going to love him as her son regardless of what anyone else said or thought. She’d even threatened Adam (Michaels dad) with divorce after he sided with everyone else. Along with a private talk of the true meaning behind Christianity.

“If something ever happens to me remember what I said. They’ll likely never love you for who you are. They’ve let their actions speak for them. Be who you are. No matter what anyone says”
”I intend to mama. They proved they ain’t Christians if they gonna behave the way they are. Their bigotry and being close minded ain’t gonna affect me”
“I’ve already talked to Grammy (dads mom) about what to do if something happens to me. You’ll always be safe with her if have to leave here because of people here being ignorant”
“I kinda figured that. She’s always loved me no matter what. Like you have”

Micheal had cut everyone out of his life after he left. He’d become more outspoken in the years after Addie died. That he was going to be himself no matter what anyone thought or said. He reminded everyone of what Addie said. He’d shamed everyone for not practicing what they preached. For not listening to him. He’d let his actions speak for him. Everything he said often fell on Deaf ears. He’d become far happier since he moved to South Florida. He’d become an Advocate after that. He shared his story in whatever way he could. He’d written Essays that were published in a variety of magazines. He wasn’t sure what he was going to do with his life. He just knew he wanted to be a beacon of hope for others his age and younger. To show people can be who they are, happily, despite what others think or say.

Twenty two years had passed since her death. Everyone had constantly shamed him for being Transgender. His paternal grandmother wanted nothing more than for Micheal to come live with her after he graduated High School. She knew the small town he was being raised in would never love him. She’d shamed her own son (Adam) for not loving Micheal for who he was. She’d told him she’d disown him if he continued in his ignorant ways. Something she followed through with after Micheal graduated and was essentially thrown out days later. He’d listened to everyone else instead of listening to Addie before she died.

“She’d be so proud of you”
”I know. I’m not sure what to do with my life. I know I’m gonna figure it out”
“There’s plenty of jobs down here for you to choose from. You’ll find your way”
“I’ve already looked into jobs at Magazines, there’s a few I’m interested in. There’s other jobs I’m interested in also”
“That’s a start”

He’d found a job as a Proofreader at a magazine near his grandmother’s condo. It was something he’d always been good at. In time, he’d become a Blurb Writer. He’d eventually become one of their Columnists. He’d often write about his experiences growing up. In all aspects. He was proud of what he’d accomplished in his life. His grandmother died when he was 27. She’d left him the condo. So he’d always have a place to live. He’d cared for her in her last days. He’d been able to get Top Surgery in that time. By then, he’d also saved enough money to travel. New York City being the first place he went to. To roam the same streets she’d once walked in her youth. He’d been able to take her back before her death. He’d surprised her by doing so. She’d acted as his tour guide. He’d considered moving there part time for the endless writing possibilities. The few magazines he spoke were interested in his life experiences and let him write remotely.

He stayed in New York City for a year, roaming around, writing, embracing himself far more than before. He reminded himself of how far he’d come. He’d decided to travel around the country. He’d saved more than enough to do so. His wanderlust had overtaken him. He knew he could travel for a year, while working remotely, seeing the rest of the country. He thought about selling his grandmothers condo and moving somewhere else. Possibly to New York City full time. She’d told him he could do that if he ever chose to. That she was okay with that decision.

He ultimately decided to keep the condo. He loved Miami Beach too much. The condo was close enough he could go anytime and not have to worry about a hotel. It was also sentimental to him. Three years, and an array of adventures had passed since he’d been to the condo. He was happy to be back. He began thinking about a few memoirs he wanted to write. The first being about his mom. The second about his grandmother. The third about his life as an openly Transgender man who’d conquered things he hadn’t always been sure he’d get through.