Typical conversations with my birth mom

BM: I miss you Me:Miss you too BM: No you don’t, you’re busy living your life. Me: And I’m happy

BM: I’m sorry I’m not good enough Me: Never said you weren’t BM: Then why don’t you come and live with me? Me: Because I am 31 and I chose to live in a different state.

BM: Are you OK being by yourself for the night? Me: Uh, I lived alone for 5 years, so I think so. BM: But I don’t like to be alone Me: I’m not you.

BM: You know to watch out for strangers at the airport, right? Me: I’m fucking 3️⃣1️⃣‼️, not 10. BM: But you haven’t flown since you were 8. You’re probably going to be terrified when you get in the air. Me: I am not afraid of heights. BM: Oh but I am and- Me: I’m. Not. You.

BM (many years after moving to FL with her new husband, leaving 12 year old me with relatives because I wasn’t needy enough anymore, not returning until I was almost 18): I did NOT leave you. Me: uh, yeah you did. BM: You were with family. Me: Yes, you LEFT me with them! Also BM, to my cousin: I should have never left (teary eyed).

BM: Your name is not X (foster care name) it’s Y (name she gave me I’ve hated all my life)! Me: You can call me what you want but everyone else calls me X BM: You realize how hurtful that is to me ? I gave you a gift and you rejected it. Also BM: I would support you if you were transgender. (But not if you just prefer a different name ).