But while mum and dad were incredibly caring, it was also a very chaotic household where everyone fought about everything. So I know what it's like to internalize all that chaos.

She felt some measure of relief knowing that in the very least, on the open road she would have some time to think.

In hospitals I feel palpable comfort. I feel the competence, the expertise, so much education and money, all of the supplies sterile, everything packaged, sealed tight. My fears evaporate when the automatic doors shush open.

You know, it's been proven that 35 to 40 hours a year with one-on-one attention, a student can get one grade level higher

She pulls away, pats me on the shoulder with three mini-pats, like those used to pet reptiles.

People are strange, but more than that, they're good. They're good first, then strange.

There is travel and there are babies; everything else is drudgery and death.