Gillian understood the longanimity and persistence required to raise a “special needs” child. She just didn’t want to do it. Understanding what’s required of you and having the willingness to do it were two different things. She tried to explain this to the social worker assigned to her case. Gillian did not want to have to deal with medications. Gillian could afford medicines and the specialists and even the specially trained teachers that were required. She simply didn’t have the time to spend on any of it. This is why Gillian’s already shriveled soul, commenced decaying at an alarming rate.