All language subtitles for What.Makes.a.Family.2001.1080p.WEBRip.x265-RARBG3_English

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[CHILDREN GIGGLE]

Ms. Harrison?

Ugh. What do you
want from me?

I just need you
to hear my case.

Look, there are plenty
of lawyers around.

Find one.
Do not approach me again.

Everyone says
that you are the best

civil-rights lawyer
in this state.

That's right, I am.
And there's only one of me,

which means I cannot
right every injustice

in the state of Florida.

What do your other clients do
to get your attention?

Look, I've never
done anything wrong,

but my daughter
was taken away from me.

Why won't you listen to me?
What do I have to do?

Do I have to rob?
Do I have to kill?
Is that it?

Tell me what the hell it is,
because I'll do it.

Do you know
where my office is?

Be there next Wednesday
at 7 a.m.

And if you think you're
gonna be one minute late,

do not come.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

-HARRISON: Ms. Nielson.
-JANINE: Janine.

Janine. You were
well-represented
at your last trial.

You're lucky
you got visitation rights.

I want my child back.
She belongs with me.

What makes you think an appeal
is gonna make any difference?

I won't give up.

This is not just for myself.

I want
what's best for Heather.

She needs me.

How long have you
been actively homosexual?

Excuse me?

How long have you been
an active homosexual?

I need to know.

I'll tell you anything
you wanna know, Ms. Harrison.

I knew I was gay long before
I ever acted on it.

How long did you know
Sandra Cataldi?

A long time.

JANINE:
But not long enough.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

I like your shirt.

Excuse me?

Your shirt.

I love cowboy shirts.

Uh, you know what kind
of flowers those are on it?

Um...

...cabbage roses.

Thank you.

Can I--
Can I give you a hand?

Uh, no, thanks.
I'm fine. Ooh.

Are you sure?
Yeah. Yeah.

Let me help you.

I'm-- I'm not, uh--

I'm not...

You're not what?

I came out to my parents
when I was in high school.

What did they do?

Yelled and cried.

They said
that it was a phase.

But what could they do?
You wanna sit down?

Yeah, sure.

[SIGHS]

When I was 13,

my mother found
these letters

I had written
to this girl in school.

They were innocent.

I told her
she had beautiful hair.

My mother went nuts.

They moved me
to another school.

They wouldn't let me
make a phone call without them

standing right there.

It just became
the way things were.

The way I was.

Even when I went to college,
you know, I...

It just wasn't a part of me.

It?

What do you think it is,
hm?

It's not something you can take
a little medicine for

that's gonna go away.

I know that.

What you doing
Saturday night?

We're here.

Y-You're taking me to church
on our first date?

And what's wrong with that?

I'm kidding.

I just wanna stop in
for a minute.

I'm on the bake-sale
committee.

Okay.

[LATIN DANCE MUSIC
PLAYING INSIDE]

[LATIN DANCE MUSIC PLAYING
OVER SPEAKERS]

Hey, Sandy.

Reverend Wasney, I want you
to meet Janine Nielson.

Welcome, Janine.

Hi.

Good to see you.

-You want something to drink?
-No.

-Hey, San!
-Hey!

That's Nora.
We actually dated
for about five years once

till we realized
that we were--

We were really
meant to be best friends.

[CHUCKLES]

You wanna dance?

Okay. Heh.

[CHUCKLES]

[SONG ENDS]

[ALL CHATTERING]

[K.D. LANG'S "SAVE ME"
PLAYING OVER SPEAKERS]

You wanna keep dancing?

Okay.

Good.

♪ Save me ♪

♪ Save me from you ♪

♪ But pave me ♪

♪ The way to you ♪

Me too.

♪ Lead me upon ♪

♪ The captive free ♪

♪ Gracious and tame ♪

Though I've performed
many holy unions,

I must say it is my deep,
personal pleasure

to pronounce you,
Janine Nielson,

and you, Sandra Cataldi,

two women united in love
in the eyes of God.

[GUESTS CHUCKLE]

[BOTH LAUGH]

[CHEERING AND APPLAUSE]

Congratulations,
sweetheart.

I always wanted
another daughter.

EVELYN:
God bless you, honey.

God bless both of you.

[ALL LAUGH]

[APPLAUSE CONTINUES]

[ALL CHATTERING]

[JANINE & SANDY LAUGH]

Ah, no. Wait, wait, wait.
I just wanna say one thing.

-That'll be a first.
-SANDY: I'm gonna let that go

because this is my wedding day
and I am a vision.

I just--
I just wanna say

that after this year
with you, Janine,

I truly never thought
that I would see this,

uh, mostly because I'm not
exactly what you call

a traditional bride.

This marriage may not be legal
in the state of Florida,

but standing here
beside you, Janine,

and I know
that it is blessed

and we were truly meant
to be together, Neen,

and I love you.

All right, shut up
and feed each other cake.

[ALL LAUGH]

All right.

Mm.

Mm, mm, mm...

GUESTS:
Aw...

-Okay.
-Mm, mm!

[ALL LAUGH AND APPLAUD]

[BABY CRIES IN DISTANCE]

-Hey.
-Hey.

I-I'm ready.

-How was your day?
-Good.

-Janine?
-Yeah.

-Hey, Sandy.
-Hey, Peter.

Uh, before you go,

could you start an IV line
for my patient in 223?

Oh, sure, of course.

I'll be really quick.

[WOMAN SPEAKING
INDISTINCTLY OVER PA]

Oh, here. Let me help.

Oh, gracias.
Let me help you.

-Thank you.
-You're welcome.

Hey, there. Hey, little guy.
What you doing here?

Oh, he's got an infection,

um, in his, uh, breathing?

In his lungs?

Sí, lungs.

So doctors give him
some medicine.

Oh.

You have children?

No, I don't.

You have something wrong?

No. No, not at all.

I-I love kids.

You want to hold him.

I just have to go, you know?

-I'll be right back.
-Okay.

[SPEAKING IN SPANISH]

[WHISPERING]
Hey, there.

Hey, there, little fella.

I'm exhausted.

Hey, where you going?
It's your night to cook.

Don't make me
cook tonight.

I cooked every night
for the past week.

All right, I'll cook.

Janine, let's have a baby.

-No.
-Why not?

You love kids
probably more than I do.

How can you eat that garbage?

You don't like it, you cook.

You just have a block
about cooking.

-Any idiot
can make a pasta sauce.
-Idiot's a good word.

What, you hold a baby for a
minute and now you want one?

Now, you know me
better than that.

I've been thinking about it
for a while.

We would be
such great parents, Neen.

Sandy, please, get a cat.

Get a dog. A bird.

A nice pet will satisfy whatever
this urge is you've got.

I train dogs
all day for a living,

I can assure you
I do not want a pet.

I want a child.

Our child.

Our child?

Yeah.

That is not a possibility,

in case you haven't noticed.

You like children, see?

[CHUCKLES]

It's not right, San.
It just isn't.

Why not?

Because we've made
our choices.

We are what we are.

I love you.

And I'm with you forever.

We're not exactly
Ozzie and Harriet.

Honey, Ozzie only has
one thing you don't.

It's not funny.

It's not true.

We're different, San.

We don't have any right
to force all this on a child.

Force what?

Love...

...and devotion?

Goodness and decency?
Would that--?

Would that child
be so harmed by that?

-Oh, Sandy.
-Neen,

I love us.

And I'm proud of us.

And I want a child.

And if you don't
want a child, say so.

But make it because you don't
want it and not because

we don't deserve it, or because
of what someone else will think.

What do you want,
honey, hm?

Tell me what you want.

Hm?

[♪♪♪♪♪]

So I go up to
the ticket counter and I say,

"Two seniors, please."

And the guy
looks at me and he says,

"I'm gonna have to see
some ID."

[ALL LAUGH]

I tell you, I almost
kissed him right there.

Slow down, Sandy.

Give yourself
time to digest.

Why talk? She never listens.

Hm? What'd you say, Dad?

-What?
-SANDY: Huh?

Oh, ha! Funny. Very funny.
Very funny.

You know, Sandy, you have
put on a little weight.

I noticed that when you came in.

SANDY:
Ahem. Well,
my doctor says

I'm right on target
for my first trimester.

You going back to school?

Trimester for what?

Of a pregnancy.

What--?
What, are you kidding?

This isn't funny.

She's not joking.

Oh, my God.
Are you pregnant?

Call me crazy,
but I always thought

you needed a man
to get pregnant.

You never heard of artificial
insemination?

What?

The sperm
comes from the donor,

and the doctor squirts it
on up there--

Okay, okay, Sandy.

You know, people are
eating here, come on.

So, grandma,

what do you think?

Oh, my God!

Oh, my God!
Oh, my God, a baby!

A baby! A baby!
[LAUGHS]

When? When? When?

Well, we went to the--
We went to the clinic in August,

but we really
didn't get the--

No, no! When?
When is the baby due?

The baby. I never thought
I'd ever get to say that.

The baby.

I mean, how did you talk
her into this, Janine?

I don't care.
What am I saying?

A baby. Oh, God!

I love you. I love you.
And I love you.

Where's my phone book?

A baby!
You're gonna be a grandpa.

Congratulations, sweetheart.

We're thrilled for both of you.

[LAUGHS]

Well, it's nice to see you,
Janine.

It's been
such a long time.

Yeah, it's been a while.

You look very well.

I think you look great.

Thanks. I'm really happy.

San and I are doing great.

In fact, we made an important
decision together.

That's why I'm here.
I wanted to tell you about it.

Sandy and I
are gonna have a baby.

I don't understand.

JANINE:
Well, Sandy's
gonna have a baby.

I know you don't
really know Sandy,

but she's gonna be
a wonderful mother

and the donor's file
was amazing.

He's everything you'd want
in a man, if you wanted a man.

Don't be crass, Janine.

I was kidding.

I was kidding about that.

Anyway, what do you think?

[CLOCKS CHIME]

What do you want us
to think, Janine?

You come into our home
and throw this in our faces.

You're my family.

You wanna live the way
you do, that's one thing,

-but don't you dare--
-Daddy, please.

-Melissa, mind your business.
-[SCOFFS]

What, you expect me to stand
here and congratulate you,

is that it?

You want me
to tell you it's okay?

Well, it's not.

It's not natural, Janine.

Excuse me.

Daddy, please,
I was talking to you.

MRS. NEILSON:
Think about what
you're doing, Janine.

Really think.

[CRYING]

They're my family.

How could they do this to me?
What did I do?

Oh, nothing.

Nothing.
You didn't do anything.

I can't do it, San.

I can't do it.
I can't help a baby.

-I can't care for a baby.
-Shh, shh.

No,
we can't protect a baby.

Come here.

-Come here.
-What?

What?

This is our baby's world.

And it is soft
and quiet and safe.

You see these hands?

These are the hands
that are gonna hold her.

Strong hands.

Look at this person, Neen.

Now, come on, really look.

Because this is
who our baby's gonna see.

You.

Brave and honest,

wise.

You're beautiful.

[SNIFFLES]

Promise me
you'll never leave me?

I promise.

-[YELLING]
-Let's go.

You got the video camera?

Yes, I do. It's okay.
You're okay.

I can't do this!
I take it back.

-You can't take it back now.
-I damn well can.

All right. Don't panic.
Keep breathing.

Next time you're doing this.
I can't do this.

Yes, you can.
You can do it.

-You can do it, okay?
-Don't forget,

Heather if it's a girl
and Charles if it's a boy.

I don't like
the name Charles.

Okay, Sandy, let's talk
about it later, okay?

-[YELLING]
-DOCTOR: What's up?

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Oh, look at you.

Oh, you're so beautiful.

Oh.

Hi.

Hi. Ha-ha.

Is everything okay?

What happened?

Um, it was
a standard C-section.

She was all
tangled up in the cord.

Sweetie.

Oh, she's so beautiful.

[CHUCKLES]

Oh, Heather.

Oh, God. Ha-ha.

I know I'm crazy,
but I think she looks like you.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Heather Janine.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

WASNEY:
And so we welcome Heather
Janine Nielson Cataldi

to the world
and to the community.

May she always know
God's house and God's love.

And may she be able
to write her full name

-by the time she's 20.
-[ALL LAUGH]

We now invite
the parents to speak.

I'm holding, you talk.
Go on.

Janine's gonna talk?
Ha! Now, that's a miracle.

Um...

Well, we want to
thank you all for being here.

Especially you, Heather.

Uh, even though your Aunt Nora's
a pain in the neck.

Uh, I really just wanted to say
in front of your mother,

and in front
of all of you,

that you will never feel like
you do not have two parents.

I really love you--
[GROANS]

Sandy, what is it?

Sandy, honey,
what's the matter?

[ALL CHATTERING]

[♪♪♪♪♪]

The C-section's healing great.

Everything looks good.

So, Peter, what's up then?

PETER:
I got some routine tests
back from the lab

and there were some
irregularities

in your blood and your urine.

So I ran
another batch of blood tests

and, uh, well,
they came back positive.

Sandy,
you have systemic lupus.

Oh, my God.

It's an autoimmune disorder
and it's pretty uncommon.

Mostly affects women.

Basically, what happens
is the immune system

loses its ability to
differentiate between

its own cells and tissues
and foreign challengers,

bacteria or viruses.

We don't know what causes it
or how to cure it,

but there are a lot of drugs
out there which can control it.

Are you sure it's systemic?

I mean, have you ruled out
discoid altogether?

Hey, come on, come on,
talk English.

Yeah, okay. Um,

Lupus is a chronic
inflammatory disease.

Discoid affects the skin,

systemic means it travels
through the body

from organ to organ.

That's what you have.

It's going to affect your
joints, your kidneys,

-as well as your skin.
-Heather?

Oh, no, no. No.
Heather is fine.

And you're not contagious.

Look, I want to send you
to a rheumatologist.

There are all kinds
of drugs for you to try,

but they can be rough.

The drugs work,
but there are side effects.

Oh, my God.

Come on. Come on.
Come on, lighten up.

I mean, it's not like
it's fatal or anything, right?

Not usually, no, no.

It's treatable, Sandy.

SANDY:
Whee! There it goes.

Look at the--
Look at the waterfall.

Let's see if
we can shoot at it, huh?

Look at that. Whoa!

Look at this.

EVELYN:
Where's my birthday girl?

Mom, are you crazy?

Oh, God, there's no more
room in the house.

Make room.
She's my only granddaughter.

What do you expect?
Hi, sweetheart.

Oh, that's my girl.

Hi, Janine.

Hi, honey. Hi.

Look at the cake, honey.

Oh, look.
Pink ice cream.

Frank, would you put it in
the freezer before it melts?

Yeah, okay.

Yes, I will.
I'll be right back.

Oh,
what a cute pool.

Yes. Heather's
birthday present.

Okay, sweetheart, are you
ready to go in the water?

Oh,
wait, wait, wait.

Are you ready
to go in the water?

Okay,
let's go in the water.

Let's go in the water.
Oh, God!

[ALL CHATTERING]

-EVELYN: Don't splash
the camera.
-Okay.

Sandra, sit under the umbrella.
Get out of the sun.

It's bad for your lupus.

I'm fine, Mom.
Oh, she takes off the hat.

SANDY:
Mom, take the camera.

I don't know how to do this.

SANDY:
Take it and just push
this button here.

Oh, sweetie.

Oh, what's
silly Mommy doing?

EVELYN:
Here we go, Heather.

[BOTH LAUGH]

Where's Grandma's
little girl?

[ALL CHATTERING]

-ALL: Whoa!
-Hey!

Look who's here.

[ALL CHATTERING]

Look,
it's Aunt Nora.

[ALL CHATTERING]

[ALL LAUGHING]

[HEATHER CRYING]

SANDY:
I'll go.

JANINE:
Oh. I'll go.

[CRYING CONTINUES]

[FOOTSTEPS RECEDING]

[BREATHING HEAVILY]

[FOOTSTEPS APPROACHING]

-Oh, she's all right.
-Ooh.

Her binky
just fell out of the crib.

You okay?

Yeah, I'm too tired
to put my--

My baby's binky back
in her crib, that's how I am.

You're the mother
of a 2-year-old,

you're supposed to be
exhausted.

I don't know
what's making me feel worse,

the lupus or the drugs.

We'll call your doctor
in the morning.

I mean,
I can't stand this.

It's not unusual for medications
to cause side effects.

The side effects
are worse than the--

Than the disease. Look at me.
I'm getting fat and I'm--

And I'm too weak to move.

The doctor will probably just
adjust your medications, okay?

You'll be okay.

I'm sorry.

I just-- I feel like
I am losing the battle here.

The thought of working
even half a day tomorrow.

I can't.
I can't do it, Neen.

[BOTH SOBBING]

You don't have to.

You're gonna
quit your job, okay?

You have got to concentrate
on your health,

on getting better.

Sweetheart, you can't support
all three of us.

Yes, I can.

I'll work extra shifts
at the hospital.

We'll be okay,
I promise.

[SNIFFLING]

I'm sorry.

You're not attracted to me
anymore, are you?

Of course I am.

I'm just stressed.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[SOBS]

I can't kiss for that long.

[LAUGHS]
My lungs.

-Lie back.
-Oh.

There you go.

[GROANS]

So, what's the drill?

All right, I need you to pick
Heather up today at school

at 2:00 and bring her
to her dancing lesson.

And then drop her off at home.
Tuesdays and Thursdays

she's got swimming
and Fridays gymnastics.

How many extra shifts
are you working?

As many as they'll give me.

Except on Mondays because I've
gotta take Sandy to dialysis.

How long do you think you're
gonna be able to keep this up?

Until Sandy
is back on her feet.

Oh, Janine, get real.

Look, if shuttling Heather
around three afternoons a week

is too much for you,
just tell me. It's okay.
It is not your problem.

Hey, Sandy's my best friend,
it is my problem.

I mean, the three of you
are like family.

I thought that you and I had
come further than that

in all these years.

Janine, I am with you.

TEACHER:
Okay, dancers,
let's make our big circle.

Good job. Good job.

Into your straight line, please.

Very nice. Now, could we please
go to our two lines.

And first position feet relevé.

And turn. And turn.

Good job.

Now, let's do two butterfly arms
before we do our reverence.

And you dancers
did such a good job today.

Thank you.

-Hey, sweetie.
-Neeny! Neeny!

Girl, oh, you were wonderful.

When you were
twirling around,

you looked like
a beautiful flower.

Not a butterfly?

And a butterfly too.

It's nice having you over me.

EVELYN:
Come here, Heather.

Here you go, doll.

You give these to Mommy now.

That's my girl.

Here's your pills, Mommy.

Thank you, sweetie.

EVELYN:
How was school today?

We talked about c-careers.

Jeffrey's gonna be psy--

Psychapothist
when he grows up,

and Marcy's
gonna make jeans.

What the heck are they teaching
the kids over there?

Jeffrey's father
is a therapist,

and Marcy's mother
splices genes.

Ah.

And what are you gonna be?
A little princess, I hope?

I'm gonna
be a nurse like Neeny.

EVELYN:
Someday your mommy
is going back to school

and she's gonna
become a pharmacist.

Would you like to be one too?

Oh, what are you
telling her that for?

I'm not gonna
go back to school.

Yes, you are.

Mom?

What's a pharmacist?

Someone who gives people pills
to make them feel better.

HEATHER:
Neeny!

As opposed to someone
who takes pills, which is me.

I'm a pharmacist too.

Yes, you are, sweetie.
Better than I'll ever be.

I'm sorry we live so far away
and we can't help more.

You do help.

I don't know how I would
do it without you both.

Look, Janine,
you can't do it all.

Now, Sandy is--

I mean, if she--

She's all I have.

I know how hard
it is on you and Frank.

We're your family too,
Ev.

Me and Heather.

Thank you.

Good night, honey.

[ENGINE STARTS]

[DOOR OPENS]

What'd she wanna
talk about?

She thinks that I should
vacation in the tropics

for the holidays.

Well, for once,
she's right.

[CLEARS THROAT]

You're not sleeping.

I know you're not eating.

Well, what do you think
I should do Dr. Welby?

I suggest that you start
taking care of yourself,

because Heather's
gonna need you.

Okay, stop that.

Neen.

You're getting better.

Please.

Don't give up on me,
San.

Janine.

I'm not gonna
listen to this crap.

I'm gonna go
check up on Heather.

[OVER STEREO]
♪ Laughin' all the way ♪

-Hm.
-♪ Bells on bobtail ring ♪

Honey, just pick one,
I'm not hungry.

Mom,
you have to eat.

Okay.

Chicken or meatloaf?

You pick for Mommy.

♪ Oh, what fun it is to ride ♪

♪ In a one-horse open sleigh ♪

♪ Jingle bells
Jingle bells ♪

♪ Jingle all the way ♪

What do you wanna
watch tonight?

How about Heather Janine's
first birthday party?

Or how about Heather Janine's
third birthday party?

The first. I like
how you look in that one.

Can we decorate the tree
when Neeny gets home?

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[TV PLAYING INDISTINCTLY]

[LAUGHING]

[TALKING INDISTINCTLY]

[SOBBING SOFTLY]

[SOBBING]

-Here you go.
-Thank you.

Sandy loves these nachos.

Maybe I can
get her to eat some.

Janine, look,
she's only making the effort

because she doesn't
wanna let you down.

Good. I'll take it.

She's in pain.

The lupus has hit nearly
every organ in her body.

And she's fought it off.

She's doing better.

Her doctors have
cut down on her prednisone.

Not when
it hits the brain.

Look, I read up on this.
It's gonna happen.

-And if you don't see
what's coming--
-I see her.

I see her every single day.

For five years I've seen her
fight and win.

And if you just wanna
write her off, you go ahead,
but I'm gonna fight with her.

And if I have to,
I'll fight for her, understand?

[SCOFFS]

[TV PLAYING INDISTINCTLY]

Where have you been?

Hi. Where's Heather?

She's in bed asleep.
Where have you been?

Here. I was at the beach.

You were with Nora?

Y-Yeah.

Are you in love with her?

What?

Are you sleeping with Nora?

What's gotten into you?
Or is it Peter?

Is that why you're working
overtime at the hospital?

Peter is gay. Oh, my God.
You're burning up.

Well, who is it, damn it?
Who is it?

It's you. It is you.
I take care of you!

I take care of Heather.
When am I--?

You lie! You lie!
You lie! You lie!

[GRUNTING]

Oh, Sandy! Oh, my God!

Oh, Sandy! Sandy!

Sandy! Oh, God!

Oh, God! Oh, God, no!

[WHISPERING]
Hi.

Oh, hi.

Sorry about before.

Oh, please. How is she?

She's hanging on.
I think she's gonna be okay.

Okay.

You get some sleep, okay?

Okay. Hey, thanks.
For everything.

Hi, Neeny.

Hi, sweetheart.

How's Mommy?

I got up to make
and Nora said

she got a sick spell,

and you took her to the hospital
to make her better.

Is she better yet?

No, not yet, sweetheart.

When's Mommy coming home?

I don't know.

Is Mommy gonna die?

Is it because
God needs another angel?

-Who told you that?
-Mommy.

Oh. Oh.

[SIGHS]

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[PHONE RINGING]

Hello.

JANINE:
Sandy had a seizure.
She's in the hospital.

Oh, God.

She's resting now.

W-Why didn't you call?

I didn't have a chance, Evelyn.

You live so far away,
it was really late,

there was nothing
you could have done.

You have to call me, damn it!

I'm sorry, I wasn't thinking.

No, you weren't thinking.
Where is she?

She's in 211 North. I'll, uh--
I'll see you there.

[PA BEEPS]

MAN [ON PA]:
Dr. Larson, ICU stat.

Dr. Larson, ICU stat.

Sandy!

EVELYN:
Oh, my God.

Oh, my God. Oh, my God.

Oh, my God.

-Sandy!
-Don't come in here!

-Don't come in here!
-I'm her mother!

-I know, Mrs. Cataldi.
-We're her family!

-I know. I know.
-Sandy!

-Andrew, what happened?
-She developed meningitis.

We're gonna do
the best we can, okay?

-Please, I've got--
-I promise you. I promise you.

Damn it,
I can't get a vein here.

Here, I'll find one.

-Janine?
-I'll do it.

Janine, you can't do it.
You're family.

Prepare please,
Louise, you do it.

Her pressure's dropped to 60.

-Andrew, please let me stay.
-Okay. Okay. Sure.

Could somebody get me
a cutdown tray, please?

NURSE 1:
Her kidneys are shutting down.
Come on, get it out.

Doctor needs a drape
and a scalpel. Fifteen blade.

-NURSE 2: Got it.
-NURSE 1: What's the systolic?

[BEEPING RAPIDLY]

San...

Don't go, San.

Don't.

Don't go.
Don't go.

[BREATHING HEAVILY]

I love you too.

San.

[JANINE SOBBING]

JANINE:
No.

[EKG FLATLINING]

JANINE:
No.

[SOBBING]
Do something...

Sandy...

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Hi, Neeny.

Hi, sweetheart.

Where's Mommy?

Oh. Um, I have to talk to you
about something, okay?

Are we going to see Mommy?

Honey,
Mommy had a visit

from one of God's angels
this morning.

God decided that

it was time for Mommy
to become an angel too.

But I don't want
Mommy to go yet.

I know, sweetheart,
neither do I.

Did Mommy
tell the angel no?

She couldn't.
She had to go.

Where is she?
I wanna see her.

You can't.

I wanna see her.

Mommy had to go, okay?
She's up in heaven now.

No! I want my mommy!

I want my mommy!

I want my mommy!

[BOTH CRYING]

JANINE:
I don't believe this.

What's up?

"Survived by her beloved parents
and daughter."

What about me?

Well, I'm sure Evelyn and Frank
didn't do it on purpose.

I would have settled for
"long-time companion."

Or "friend" or "roommate" would
have been better than nothing.

Did you tell them
that you weren't bringing
Heather to the funeral?

Yeah.

Evelyn agreed it would
be too hard on her.

[ORGAN PLAYING SOFT MUSIC]

[GUESTS WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY]

-PRIEST:
Let us pray. Our Father--
-Evelyn?

--who art in heaven,
hallowed be thy name.

-Come on.
-PRIEST: Thy kingdom come,

thy will be done on Earth
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day
our daily bread.

Thy will be done on Earth
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day
our daily bread.

Forgive us our trespasses.

PRIEST:
But deliver us from evil,

for thine is the kingdom
and the power and the glory

forever and ever. Amen.

My friends,
members of the family,

Evelyn, Frank,

we are here today
not to mourn a passing,

but to celebrate a life,

the beautiful life
of our dear departed sister,

Sandra Cataldi.

Thanks, Donna.

Hi, sweetheart.

Are you hungry?

Well, you have to eat.

Let's see what we've got.

You sit right down there.

[SIGHS]

Okay, we've got chicken
and meatloaf.

How about chicken?

Okay.
[SIGHS]

Mmm. Stay right there,

'cause I'm gonna need your help.

What for, Neeny?

Well, it's my night to cook.

[CHUCKLES]

I've got an idea.

How about, just this once,

we go get a hamburger
and some French fries.

Our little secret.

Our little secret.

[PHONE RINGING]

HEATHER [ON RECORDING]:
Please leave messages
for Sandy, Neeny and Heather

-after the beep.
-[BEEPS]

EVELYN [ON PHONE]:
Heather, it's Grandma.

Please call me.
Janine has the number.

[CLICKS]

[BEEPS]

[CRICKETS CHIRPING, DOG BARKING]

How you holding up?

On my own.

Well, maybe if you answered
the phone when people called,

you wouldn't be on your own
all the time.

I just don't
feel like it.

You look exhausted.

I am. I get up at 6:30.
I get Heather to school by 8:30.

I go to work. I pick her up.

I put her down by 8,

and then I can't even
fall asleep before 2 or 3.

So, what have you done
about Heather, Janine?

What do you mean?

Well, since Sandy didn't leave
a will, which, uh,

we were pretty
surprised about,

you're gonna have to deal with
a lot of loose ends.

It's Florida, honey.

[GROANS]

You need to establish your
legal guardianship of Heather.

JANINE:
I know. I just...

haven't had the strength
to deal with it.

You have to. What if she had
an accident or something?

PETER:
I know a really good
family lawyer.

And he's great
at domestic-partner stuff.

He'll handle everything.

Peter talked to me about
your situation and yourself.

He's very fond of you
and concerned.

How are you holding up?

Oh, I'll be fine.

It just takes time.

I understand.

I'm afraid my news isn't gonna
be much help, either.

Uh, since
we spoke on the phone last,

I've done
some preliminary inquiries.

And our situation
is a little more complicated

than we thought.

Why?

Well, legally,
according to Florida law,

blood relatives have
more of a claim on your daughter

than you do.

But no one wants Heather but me.

Well, Frank and Evelyn Cataldi,
Sandy's parents--

I know who they are.

They filed papers
last month.

What kind of papers?

I don't understand.
What--? What does this mean?

I mean, what is this?

I'd say
it's a sneak attack.

It's an application
for custody and guardianship.

Heather's grandparents
want to adopt her themselves.

MAN:
I think we'd better have
another look round.

[KNOCKING AT DOOR]

I'm coming. I'm com-- Okay.

Okay.

Janine?

Why are you doing this?

How dare you
just burst in here.

Why are you trying
to take her away?

Because she doesn't belong
with you.

You're not her blood, Janine.
She-- She's Sandy's baby.

She belongs with blood.

Are you crazy?

She's my daughter too.

She is not your daughter.

She is Sandy's daughter
and she's all we have.

I am not keeping her from you.

[SCOFFS]
Oh, the hell you're not.

You you don't even return
our calls.

I don't return
anyone's calls.

I'm trying to adjust.

We're just trying
to get through this.

"We"? "We" who? Huh?

-Who else you got
over there in that house?
-What?

We do not want her around
your friends.

We do not want her around
those kind of people.

-What kind of people?
-Dykes.

-Queers.
-Frank, don't.

Can I make that any clearer
for you?

Your daughter
was "those kind of people."

Yeah, thanks to you.

Me?

She told you what she was
in high school.

FRANK:
In high school?
She was confused.

She didn't know what she wanted.

You messed up her life.

And I do not want you messing up
Heather's life.

Mr. and Mrs. Cataldi
are incapable of raising

a 5-year-old child, Your Honor.

They have health problems
typical of their age.

LAWYER:
Nothing of note, Your Honor.

We could present
doctors' reports on that

as well as recommendations.

They live in
a one-bedroom apartment

in an adults-only
retirement complex.

LAWYER:
Excuse me, Your Honor,

but I have photographs
of a home

that the Cataldi's are prepared
to purchase.

Thank you.

CRANE:
Photographs do not constitute
a contract.

They don't even constitute
intent.

FRANK:
Wait. Wait. Wait.
Why buy a house

before we even know
if we need one, huh?

We'll buy a house.

EVELYN:
W-we've already picked out
a swing set, Your Honor.

A-and we can afford it. Janine
can barely support herself.

That is completely untrue,
Your Honor.

Miss Nielson has been the sole
wage-earner in the house.

She has supported herself,
her daughter
and her chronically ill partner.

Thank you, Mr. Crane,
I have those figures already.

And you have more
than established

Ms. Nielson's ability
to support the child.

Unfortunately,
it is not relevant.

There is not a true issue
of custody here.

Florida law is quite explicit

regarding the rights
of blood relatives

over all other rights.

It is not in my power
or anyone else's present

to change that law at this time.

Therefore, I cannot but rule

that the Cataldi's be given
full legal custody of the girl.

[SIGHS]

JUDGE:
As for visitation,

I believe the child
is young enough

that her ability to adapt
to new surroundings

and circumstances
is significant.

But that excessive exposure
to Ms. Nielson

would be confusing
and potentially destructive.

Therefore, Ms. Nielson may see
Heather one weekend a month.

She may call her on the phone
once a week.

Are there any questions?

I believe that this is all in
the best interests of the child.

-Thank you.
-[GASPS]

[GAVEL BANGS]

And Allison can only lift
her leg this high,

but I can lift it
practically over my head.

And Miss Barnes said
with a little practice

I can probably lift it higher
than even she can.

Neeny, why are we stopping here?

Because I need to tell you
something, okay.

-You know how much
I love you, right?
-Uh-huh.

And you know how much
your grandma and your grandpa
love you?

Yeah.

Well, sometimes
when you love someone so much,

y-you have to make a decision
that won't make everybody happy,

but it will work out best
in the end.

-Like what?
-Well, like going to live

with your grandma
and your grandpa.

But I live with you.

I know you do,
sweetheart.

But a very, very smart lady
has decided

that it's a good idea
for you to live with them.

Okay? And they want it.

And you can take all your toys,

and I'll come and visit.

But I wanna live with you.

I know. And I want to be
with you, sweetheart,

but sometimes you just can't
have what you want, okay?

Please, Neeny,
I promise I'll be good.

Honey, you are good. You're the
best little girl in the world.

Hi, Heather. Come to Grandma.

No, I don't wanna go with you.

You don't mean that,
sweetheart.

HEATHER:
I wanna be with Neeny.

Will you help me here, Frank.

-FRANK: Yes.
-Come on, Heather.

[SCREAMS]
Neeny! Neeny!

Neeny!

EVELYN:
You want to be with Grandma.

Grandma's here, sweetheart.

Neeny! Neeny!

[♪♪♪♪♪]

-EVELYN: Let go.
-Neeny!

-EVELYN: Come on, honey.
-HEATHER: Neeny!

EVELYN:
Come on. We've got her.
We've got her.

Neeny!
Neeny, I wanna stay with you.

Grandma's here.
Grandma's here.

We're gonna have ice cream
and good things.

Good things, okay?

FRANK:
Ice cream.

[ENGINE STARTS]

Neeny! Neeny!

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Beautiful day.

Hello, Janine, I'm Dr. Gage.

I guess you don't feel like
eating today.

Would you like to talk?

Now, you see, honey,
because I have this combination,

I'm gonna put two more nickels
in the pot.

Do you want to put the nickels
in the pot for me?

[CHUCKLES]

That's Grandma's girl.

She's so smart.

You're so smart.

Ha-ha.
What do you say?

Thank you.

She's so quiet,
Evelyn.

Yeah, isn't she a doll?

Not like mine.

They're so noisy,
I can't hear myself think.

[CHUCKLES]

PETER:
Janine, if you don't eat,

they're gonna put you
on an IV drip.

We are not gonna
let you die here.

Hey, Janine, it's Nora.

Honey, I know you're hurt,
but i-it's been a week.

Don't you wanna talk
to Heather?

Does she even hear us?

PETER:
She hears us.

NORA:
I don't know what to say.

PETER:
Say anything. Chitchat.

Memories. Piss her off.

Just keep talking.

-[SNORING]
-WOMAN [ON TV]: No complaints.

MAN:
Got some cream for your coffee.
Been buying a whole pint.

WOMAN:
Well, you don't have to
apologize to me, Mr. Warden.

You'll never know
how I appreciate this.

[SNIFFLES]

[WHIMPERING]

Heather? Honey, what is it?

What's wrong?

You can tell Grandma.

I miss Mommy.

I know, Honey. I do too.

And I miss Neeny.

Shh-shh-shh.

Did she die too?

Did Neeny die too?

No. No, honey,
Neeny didn't die.

[SOBS]

Then why doesn't she call?

I don't know, honey.

Doesn't she love me anymore?

I don't know.

But Grandma loves you.

You know that, don't you?

Yes.

Do you love Grandma?

Yes.

Well, good.

See, that's all that counts.

Sometimes, you know,

people we think love us,
they don't--

They don't always love us.

But your family
will always love you.

That's why they're your family.

You know that? Huh?

Close those eyes
and go to sleep.

That's Grandma's girl.

NORA:
Come on, open up.

Damn it, Janine,
open up your mouth.

All right, fine.
You wanna die, die.

[CUP CLATTERS]

NORA:
Why are you just giving up?

There are people here
who love you.

And there is somebody out there
who desperately needs you.

How could you forget about
your damn daughter?

Heather needs her mother,
and that is you.

Oh!

[NORA GRUNTING]

Sandy had no choice.

She fought
until the very last second.

But not you.

[SOBS]

Do you know
what Heather's days are like?

Do you know
i-if she cries at night?

No, you--
You coward.

That judge was right.
You don't deserve her.

[SOBS]
You-- Y-y-you don't
care about her.

You never loved her,
and you know what?

You are not her mother.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[WEAKLY]
Yes, I am.

Yes, I am.

Walter, my boy, come join
your uncle in a game of putt.

[PHONE RINGING]

I have to sharpen up my game.

I'm going to join that swanky,
ritzy, Vista Country Club.

Hello.

-You can do it.
-EVELYN: Hello?

Evelyn, it's Janine.

I wanna speak with Heather.

She's not home.

It's after 7, she has to be.

She's asleep.

Then wake her.

I certainly will not.

Mrs. Cataldi, this is Dr. Gage,
Janine's doctor.

Janine has the legal right

to speak with Heather
once a week.

Let her talk.

Oh, here you go, honey.

HEATHER:
Hello.

H-Heather, it's Janine.

It's your Neen.

Neeny?

Yes. Oh, it--
Oh, it's so good

to hear your voice.

Why didn't you call?
Why didn't you visit?

Well, honey,
I've been very sick.

You promised you'd call.

I know.

I know, and I was wrong
not to call you

for a whole month,
but I still love you.

I love you so much.

When are you coming?
When are you coming
to take me home?

Oh, b--

Baby, I'm--
I'm gonna come really soon.

Okay?

I can't come right now
to take you home,

but I'm gonna visit.

I-I'm gonna visit really soon.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Florida law expressly forbids
gays and lesbians from adopting.

Now, Sandy didn't will you
guardianship.

She didn't leave a will.
Why not?

There's no good answer.

We didn't want to admit
that kind of defeat. I--

I wanted to stay positive
around Sandy all the time.

I never wanted to bring it up.

You knew she was dying.

You knew you had to protect
this child.

Why didn't you leave Florida?

My work, our--
Our support was here.

You're a nurse,
you could work anywhere.

Our home, Sandy's family,
all of her doctors were here.

You just didn't wanna
deal with it.

-That's not true.
-Yeah, it is.

You didn't wanna deal with
your lover's illness.

You didn't want to deal with
your life.

You didn't want to deal with
your parental responsibilities.

You just didn't wanna deal.

So you end up
in a mental institution.

You got the nerve to ask me
to stand in front of a judge

and ask him to repeal
the laws of this land

to place this child in the hands

of an irresponsible,
unsuitable guardian.

I'm Heather's parent.
She belongs with me.

Now, if you will not help me,
I'll go find someone who will,

'cause I will not give up
until Heather is home with me.

Good. Neither will I.

You're gonna hear that
and a lot worse in court.

And if you crumble,
we're gonna lose.

I will not crumble.

I thought you said
I didn't have a chance.

I'm not sure you do.
I like a good fight.

We need to dig, Janine.

We have to prove
that Heather's life

is going to be better
if she's with you,

so you have to find
letters, photos, anything.

And do me a favor.

Get yourself a nice, pink dress
to wear in court.

[CHUCKLES]

Just what the well-groomed
lesbian is wearing for spring.

[CHUCKLES]

What do you want?

I'm here to visit with Heather.

The hell you are.
She's resting.

She has a tummyache.

Then I'll sit with her.

No, you're not coming
in this house.

OFFICER:
Mrs. Cataldi,
we're here to ensure

that the court-ordered
visitation takes place.

Any request
to postpone or alter it

must be made 24 hours prior.

Well, I couldn't do that.

I mean, she's missed
all the other days,

how was I supposed...?

Heather? Heather?

[FOOTSTEPS]

-Neeny. Neeny.
-Oh, hi, sweetheart.

Oh. Mmm.
I missed you so much.

Did you come to take me home,
Neeny?

Not yet, baby, no.

This is your home, sweetheart.

Come on, honey, let's go out
for a little while, okay?

Go get your bathing suit.

Go on.

I don't give a damn
for any judge's orders.

Heather's my child
and I'll decide what she does,

and she is not leaving
this house.

OFFICER:
Defiance of this order

is grounds for appeal,
Mrs. Cataldi.

Damn you.

HEATHER:
Neeny. Neeny.

Hurts doesn't it, Ev.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Wait up.

Oh, slow down.

♪ I can hear your voice
Sometimes at night ♪

[JANINE LAUGHING]

♪ And it echoes
Through the day ♪

JANINE:
All right.

♪ When my soul cries out
From missing you ♪

-[BOTH GIGGLING]
-♪ I remember what you say ♪

♪ As long as you love ♪

♪ You will see me
In the stars ♪

♪ As you look up at the stars ♪

♪ I will be there ♪

Mmm. So did you make
any new friends?

No.

How come?

'Cause kids aren't supposed
to live there

and kids are too noisy.

Did your grandma
say anything about moving

into a big new house?

We're not going to.

How come?

'Cause money
don't grow on trees.

So, what do you do
after school?

Watch TV.

Neeny,
why can't I come home?

♪ You are standing here
Beside me now ♪

♪ As I watch the children
Play ♪

♪ To those of us
You left behind ♪

♪ You are never far away ♪

♪ As long as you love ♪

PETER:
Janine's gonna have
a pretty rough time.

JANINE:
To be blunt, it would help
immensely for the court

to see my family.

To see her family
supporting her.

I'm afraid we can't support her
in this endeavor, Dr. Brown.

You know, it's not really
about Janine.

I believe the focus here
is Heather.

The child is not blood
to us or Janine.

I'm sure she'd be better off
with her family.

[LAUGHS]

Is something amusing?

I keep hearing about
this notion of blood bonds

making for a family.

I told you. Let's go.

[LAUGHTER]

[PHONE RINGING]

[BOTH MOAN]

BOTH:
Mmm.

JANINE:
Hello.

Oh, hey, Nora.

No, no, no. Uh-uh.

I'm still looking through
stuff for the lawyer.

Nervous.

Yeah, Terry called earlier.

We have been assigned

one of the most conservative
judges in the state.

Yeah, the whole state.

No. No, no, no.
I'm fine. Thank you.

Okay. Bye.

WOMAN [OVER TV]:
I'm gonna let that go
because this is my wedding day.

-I just--
-[TV BLARING STATIC]

[MUFFLED THUMPING]

I would endeavor to spare
this court and this state

from the enormous waste of time
of this appeal.

My clients,
Frank and Evelyn Cataldi,

have been given
legal custody

of their granddaughter,
Heather Cataldi.

She's flourishing
under their care, Your Honor.

The Florida law is quite clear
on the particular issues

concerning the appeal
of this plaintiff.

The law expressly prohibits
homosexuals from adopting.

I therefore move for dismissal.

Thank you, Mr. O'Brien.

Uh, Ms. Harrison.

Your Honor, the court
in it's previous decision

separated a 5-year-old child
from her parent.

Now, I say parent, because
my client acted in that capacity

from the time
the child was conceived.

Now, no doubt the court
was seeking only to protect

and enhance the quality
of this child's life.

And it did so based on
prevailing laws which exist

only here
in the state of Florida.

Now, we seek to show that,
in fact,

the child's life
has not been enhanced.

In fact, it has been diminished
by this situation.

We seek not to grant this woman
the right to raise her child,

but we seek to grant the child
the right

that every child
in the United States has.

And that is the right
to go home.

The, uh, motion for appeal
is granted.

Let's proceed, shall we?

Heather's as healthy
as can be.

She gained some weight and she
grew a quarter of an inch.

Tell me, how is she doing
emotionally?

Objection, Your Honor.
She's not a psychiatrist.

It's pure conjecture.

I'll allow it.

Uh, she's a very happy
little girl.

She still gets sad about her
mommy sometimes, but so do I.

I think that's healthy.
And she's so affectionate.

All the time she's telling me
how much she loves her grandma.
[CHUCKLES]

-Does she ever talk about
Ms. Neilson?
-On occasion.

She was concerned
when Janine never called
or came to visit her.

And Frank and I, we tried
to explain it as best we could.

And I think she understands.

But I am sure
that Janine's absence

has hurt whatever relationship
they had.

Objection, Your Honor,
it's conjecture.

I'm aware, Ms. Harrison.

O'BRIEN:
That's all right, Your Honor.

I have no further questions.
Thank you.

Ms. Harrison.

Thank you, Your Honor.

Mrs. Cataldi,
where do you reside?

1118, Vista Del Mar.

And prior to adopting Heather,
where did you live?

Well, Frank and I have lived
there for 14 years.

It's a retirement community,
isn't it?

I never heard it
referred to that way.

Oh? Well, how many children
under the age of 12

live on your block?

EVELYN:
Uh, I really couldn't say.

HARRISON:
Well, is it five?

Is it three? Is it two?

No. Well--
Well, not on our block.

So Heather really is
the only one.

I, uh, I'm not sure.

Possibly.

HARRISON:
At the last court proceedings,

you said you were buying
a two-bedroom house

on a fairly large
residential lot.

When do you think
you'll take occupancy?

-EVELYN: The house fell through.
-HARRISON: Really?

Oh, they wanted
way too much money.

So you're looking
for another one?

EVELYN:
We are registered with an agent.

HARRISON:
Do you have that name?

I, uh-- I-- I don't--
I don't remember it offhand.

HARRISON:
Your present house only has
one bedroom, isn't that right?

Yes.

So where does Heather sleep?

Frank sleeps on the couch
and Heather bunks in with me.

Every night?

What's wrong with that?

-[PEN SCRATCHING]
-HARRISON: Well,

do you think
that that's better

than the room
she has at Janine's?

I think anything is better
for my granddaughter
than Janine's house.

HARRISON:
You said your granddaughter.

That means Heather's
not your daughter?

What do you mean?

Well, did you give birth
to Heather?

Well, of course I--
I didn't have--

Well, that's ridiculous.

Well, maybe you can clear
something up for me.

I have a document here.

A birth certificate for
Heather Janine Nielson Cataldi.

-Do you recognize it?
-Yes.

HARRISON:
And where it says
"Name of mother,"

a name has been whited out and
your name has been placed here.

Mrs. Cataldi, how old are you?

Look, we were told that this was
the only way we could cut off

Heather's visitations
with Janine.

But why would you want
to do that?

EVELYN:
Because she's unstable.

Because whenever Heather talks
to her, she gets depressed.

She gets confused.

HARRISON:
Why does she get confused?

Well, wouldn't you be confused
if your mother liked girls?

So you think of Janine
as Heather's mother?

No!

Your Honor,

I was just trying
to keep my granddaughter

-away from people like her.
-Objection, Your Honor.

Wouldn't you do the same thing
to save your own granddaughter?

-HARRISON: Objection,
Your Honor. Objection.
-EVELYN: Wouldn't you?

According to all our research,

having both a matriarchal
and a patriarchal presence

in the home
is the most beneficial situation

for the normal development
of a child.

In other words, the situation
in the Cataldi home.

Yes.

Thank you, professor.

Your witness.

Would the results hold true
if the child

were a victim of abuse?

Objection, Your Honor.

There's been no claim
of abuse here.

Sustained.

HARRISON:
Hypothetically speaking,

would the results be the same

if the parents were elderly
or infirm?

Your Honor?

I stressed "hypothetically."

You may answer.

It would all have to be judged
case by case.

Age alone does not make
for unsuccessful parenting.

All right. Well, professor,
does the research show

that children of gay parents
are more likely to be gay?

-No.
-HARRISON: In fact, the opposite

is more often true than not.

Seems to be.

Are children of gay parents
less intelligent?

PROFESSOR:
No.

-Less successful?
-No.

-HARRISON:
More prone to violence or crime?
-PROFESSSOR: No.

HARRISON:
Less likely to have children?

-PROFESSOR: No.
-HARRISON: Less capable parents?

No.

So there's nothing anywhere
in any study that shows

that children raised
by gay parents

are adversely affected
in any way?

Not to my knowledge, no.

Thank you.

Janine suffered
a nervous collapse

brought on by exhaustion
and profound depression.

Under the circumstances,
quite understandable.

She's responded well
to grief therapy

and has been off all medication
for several months.

I see no indication
of any reoccurrence

and I would say that she is
as emotionally sound

as anyone I know.

She's stressed,
but quite capable.

Your Honor, I'd like to call
Melissa Nielson.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

I never knew my sister
was a lesbian until she told us.

She's always been respectful
and caring.

And my parents cannot accept
who she is.

And they've made it impossible
for her to be with us.

She once told me
that Mr. and Mrs. Cataldi

were far more loving in
accepting the mom and the dad.

That they were her family.

She loved them.

I don't know
what she could have done

that they would take her child.

Ms. Nielson,
you and Sandra Cataldi

were partners,
you said?

Yes.

Loving partners?

Yes.

Sexual partners?

Objection. It's irrelevant.

Overruled.

Sexual partners?

Yes.

Were you and Sandra Cataldi
married?

Not legally.

Why not?

JANINE:
This state does not allow

same-sex marriages.

O'BRIEN:
Did you impregnate
Sandra Cataldi?

I was present
at the insemination.

So no biological part of you
caused her to become pregnant?

Obviously not.

So there is no biological
connection

between you and Heather Cataldi?

No.

Do you accept there is
a biological connection

between Heather
and the Cataldis?

Yes.

But you do not acknowledge
that that gives them

superior claim of kinship
or guardianship?

No, I do not.

Do you consider your
cohabitation with Sandra Cataldi

to be that of a normal,
married cohabitation?

I think it is normal.

But not identical to the
majority of living arrangements.

So it's not a normal situation?

It is not a conventional one,
no.

What do you think gives you
the right to bring a child

into that situation and pretend
that it is better

than the one that is being
provided by her natural,

and I mean that in every sense,
grandparents?

Aren't your acts merely
a blatant example

of self-interest
and selfishness?

I know many unwed couples,

lots of whom
are impregnated artificially

as Sandy and I were.

They are considered
parents,

morally and in most cases,
legally.

I base my statement on that fact

and on the fact
that I mothered Heather

in every practical,
responsible, emotional way.

As far as she and I are
concerned, we are parent.

We are mother and child.

Did Sandra Cataldi have a will,
Ms. Nielson?

No, she did not.

O'BRIEN:
Why not?

Probably because I didn't
encourage her to.

I thought it would be
detrimental

in fighting her disease.

Well, that's
very convenient.

What makes you so sure that
Sandra Cataldi

even wanted you
to have this child?

HARRISON:
Your Honor, if I may.

I'd like to propose that that
question might best be answered

by introducing item E
into evidence.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

Heather, sweetheart,
this is for you.

And I hope that you--
You never have to see this,

but just in case, I want you
to have something from me

other than the life
that I gave you.

And I want you to know

that Janine and I
wanted you so much.

And you were more than we ever
could have dreamed for,

my precious little girl.

I'm sorry about not supplying
you with a father,

but I-- I hope that someday
you'll understand

that that's not part
of who I am.

And I am leaving you with
a wonderful person to love.

We've been together
from the moment

that you were conceived.

And we will always be together.

So love Neen as she loves you.

[WHIMPERING]

And respect her
and make her proud of you.

I leave your future happiness
in her hands.

And forgive me, my little one,

if I have to leave you,

but know that no matter
where you are,

I will always be with you

and love you forever
and ever and ever.

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[TV STATIC HISSES]

[CRYING]

Your Honor, this court
does not know what condition

Miss Cataldi was in
when this tape was shot,

whether she was medicated
or coerced.

Let's move on, shall we?

O'BRIEN:
Your Honor,

my clients
are physically, mentally,

emotionally and financially fit
to care for Heather Cataldi.

There is a natural family bond
between them.

And we believe to disrupt
this family at this time

would cause tremendous adverse
psychological effects

on this child.

She has a very loving home.

And the law is very exact

and we believe should be honored
to the letter.

Thank you.

Ms. Harrison.

Your Honor, there is no doubt
in anyone's mind

that the Cataldi's love
their granddaughter

and they're providing for her
to the best of their ability.

But my client also loves her.

And it's clear that Sandy's
intention was that Janine

continue to raise this child.

You know in any other state
the question of responsibility

would never be an issue.

It is only
in the state of Florida

that says same-sex partners
cannot adopt.

And while it's certainly my wish
that someday we will be able

to repeal the laws
which still denies homosexuals

their full civil rights,

that's not the business
of this courtroom today.

And in order to see clearly,

we must focus on
the individual case before us.

The case of one individual
parent and one individual child.

And if you ask Heather Cataldi
who her mommy is,

this is her mommy.

And if we deny her the right
to be raised by her mother,

all we will accomplish
is the separation of two people

who love each other,

who need each other

and have the right
to be with each other.

Thank you.

JUDGE:
I'll retire to chambers

and come back with my decision.

This court is recessed.

[DOOR OPENS]

All rise.

[DOOR CLOSES]

Please be seated.

No evidence has been presented
in these proceedings

to suggest that the plaintiff,
Janine Nielson,

is anything but a fit
and loving parent.

Concurrently,
there so no evidence

that Evelyn and Frank Cataldi
have acted out of anything

but love and devotion
to their granddaughter.

Much has been made of the
plaintiff's sexual orientation.

Personally,
I believe that if you engage

in a homosexual relationship,

you forfeit much.

Specifically, you ought not
to have children.

It complicates a very legally
spotty landscape.

As far as this case
is concerned,

a child has already
been born.

The only issue to be weighed

is what is right for this child.

The state of Florida holds
that the bond of blood

takes precedence
over all other bonds.

And, quite frankly,
I support that.

However,

the testimony
in this courtroom,

especially that of the child's
deceased mother,

can lead to only
one conclusion.

That a maternal bond exists

between Janine Nielson

and Heather Cataldi.

It is the opinion
of this court

that it is in
the best interest

of Heather Cataldi

that she be returned
immediately

to the legal custody
of Janine Nielson.

[GASPS]

Such custody is awarded today

and should be carried out
in its entirety

and as expediently as possible.

This court is adjourned.

[GAVEL BANGS]

[WHIMPERS]

[♪♪♪♪♪]

[SOBBING]

Thank you.

We got lucky.

Maybe it'll help
somebody else.

Go get your daughter.

[LAUGHS]

-And Janine?
-Yes.

Pink is definitely
your color.

[LAUGHS]

Oh.

We did it.
Yeah!

Evelyn.

She's your grandchild.

Stay in her life.

Thank you, Janine.

[PEOPLE CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY]

Heather!

Neeny! Neeny!

[LAUGHS]

Oh! Oh!

[LAUGHING]

Let's go home.

You're gonna live with me
from now on.

Yay! Neeny!

[LAUGHING]
Ah!

[♪♪♪♪♪]

-Are you hungry?
-HEATHER: Yeah.

JANINE:
How about a hamburger
and some French fries?

HEATHER:
I know a secret.

♪ Time has a different meaning
Oh ♪

♪ Since you found
Your scarlet wings ♪

♪ Forever seems like
Yesterday ♪

♪ But only angels know
These things ♪

♪ I can hear your voice
Sometimes at night ♪

♪ And it echoes
Through the day ♪

♪ When my soul cries out
From missing you ♪

♪ I remember what you say ♪

♪ As long as you know ♪

♪ You will see me
In the stars ♪

♪ As you look up
At the stars-- ♪