One by one, my brothers and sisters left home. My mother told me I needed to become independent too. I was a little sad about leaving the family. Once I was there, I was happy—but I missed them. I live in the group home Monday through Friday. I go home on weekends to be near my parents (I live in two rooms above their house), though sometimes I stay at the group home instead.
My first family is my parents.
My second family is my friends at the group home.
My third family is Fede e Luce.
What do I see in my future?
I don't think about it much. I can't get married because of my handicap and my medications. It would be hard for me to take care of children with my handicap. I'd rather be an aunt. I have two godchildren. The group home will be my home. My mother told me that after she dies, my brother Umberto will take care of my documents.
My parents will speak to me in my heart when they are no longer here.
- Maria Agnese, 2002
(O. et L. n. 137)