The Voice Inside

On living with the quiet voice of survivor’s guilt

It’s the summer of 2020. I’m driving down the highway when James tells me from the passenger seat, “I love you. I think you’re a good man.”

James is 24 years old and has Down’s syndrome. On Saturdays I take him to the park so his parents can have a break from watching him. The state calls it respite care and pays me minimum…