This is the date I remember as the starting point for the photo project documenting my relationship with my brother Michael. He is low functioning, autistic and nonverbal.

Below is an entry from my journal from the day after Mike’s birthday. I cringe a little when I read it. I seem whiny, angry and self-pitying, even though I was 37 years old when I wrote it.

I have changed a lot since I made these notes. I do remember the feelings I had when I wrote this even though it was such a long time ago. It was probably necessary for me to get the sentimental claptrap out of the way by writing it down.