I felt trapped. That was a lifelong promise, and I didn’t know if I was strong enough to handle it. I didn’t know if I could bear it. But how could I be selfish in this moment and say no, or say that I’d do my best but that I couldn’t promise anything? So I responded the way you’re supposed to in a situation like that. I said what would give her a little hope for those of us she loved and was leaving. “I’ll take care of them, Mama. Don’t worry. Patrick will be fine.” I said Patrick because
