Strangers probably called me neurotic. Even Jimi’s pediatrician said I should let him experience things I refused. But those close—Simone, coworkers, his teachers—understood my fears. They knew my struggle: missing work to practically live at the hospital with him. How I scraped for expensive meds and health costs.

My support network was small: me, Jimi, Simone, and school. School helped with socialization and learning—not illnesses. Simone covered medical bills. I handled my part: ...