Epilogue

Johnny continued to live with Roy and Joanne. Although things never changed with him, he was usually quiet happy. He spent time going out with his friends he made through the NAMI group and enjoyed the time he had with his siblings.

Roy worked with the Paramedic Program until his early retirement in 1995. He had had a heart attack the previous year and although he had wanted to continue working, Roy realized that with the changing of the Paramedic Program and hospital changes, it was best to step down. Also, Roy and Joanne had found a large, previously undiscovered account from Johnny that helped cover any medical bills that John's pension and disability didn't cover. He enjoyed being able to stay home with his wife and John, visiting his two older kids when possible.

Joanne became heavily involved in NAMI after her two oldest left for college. Using her financial, craft and organizational skills, she was successful with fundraising for activities and raising awareness. After Roy's retirement and Johnny's death, she spends more time with Roy, although she still devotes part of her time to NAMI, which she now paid for.

Chris became a firefighter and went to college part-time. After eight years of going to school part-time, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fire Science. He loves his work and is one of the best investigators in the LACOFD; he credits his success to his dad, uncle and his experience of firefighting. Christopher has even taken more classes to further his career.

After graduating high school, Jennifer went to UCLA to become a neuropsychologist and specializing in traumatic brain injury patients. She has a successful practice and her hands on experience of having a sibling with it has been invaluable. Jenny has been able to come up with new ways of treating or minimizing the fallout on family members.

AN: THANK YOU ALL FOR READING! I cannot believe it has taken me 14 months! Thanks for all the encouragement and feedback. I hope you enjoyed.