He had asked about her family.
He had asked whether she understood the effect of leaving the largest share to one beneficiary.
She had answered.
And she had not changed her mind.
When Mr. Bennett stepped down, I knew the most important testimony of the day had been given.
But I still had one subject to address.
The version of me my parents had placed before the court.
I returned to the lectern.
“Your Honor, the petitioners have repeatedly asserted that I am chronically unemployed, financially incompetent, and incapable of managing ordinary responsibilities. I’d like to address those claims
briefly.”
The judge nodded.
I presented my professional records.
Not every commendation.
Not every assignment.
Only what was necessary.
My education.
My bar admission.
My military commission.
My years of service as a judge advocate.
My documented employment history.
And the responsibilities I’d held.
“My father testified that I couldn’t maintain a fast-food job,” I said. “I worked at that restaurant during
