In 1996, I had the opportunity to go with Mike, and members of his group home, on a vacation to Pennsylvania over the 4th of July holiday. My only responsibility was to take care of him. I never had so much stress in my life. I had to watch him every minute, change his clothes and clean him up after accidents; make sure he didn’t take food from other people; keep him occupied. Ultimately, I couldn’t do it. I had to take Mike back home in NY on the train.

I never had such appreciation for what my mother had to do for thirteen years, when Mike was at home.