I managed to take care of my bipolar/schizophrenic BPD mother who was very disabled. Others couldn’t understand it because of the way she treated me and all of the trouble — addiction, overdoses, police looking for her for things she did. People didn’t understand she could not help it. I kept her safe, sheltered, fed, and in the care of doctors, social workers, hospitals, and on public assistance for six years. I couldn’t save her in the end, but she was safe for years under my care. I managed not to jump off a cliff myself in the process!

I built a career that paid more to keep my family cared for when I found out my husband was terminal. Cancer treatment damaged his heart when he was young, and 20 years later heart failure showed up. I got him the best doctors, and as it turned out I landed him with a surgeon and hospital that was only one of three that could save his life. He lived 11 more years after that surgery. In the meantime I started working on my career and made more money to support out family—I didn’t know when he might become disabled. Anyway he was cared for and knew I would take care of our daughter.

I’ve been to Hawaii a few times. I have to say I don’t think I enjoy travel as much as others. I’m afraid to schedule anything. I could be depressed when it is time to go. I like Disneyland way more than visiting new places—I’ve been there a few times too.