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For his part, Peter says he has come to terms with the fact that schizophrenia will always be a part of his life. He knows that others can easily take advantage of him and has learned to ask family members for a "reality check" every now and then when he's not sure what an appropriate response might be. "I used to think my goal was to become like I was before the illness," he says. "Then I realized that I was older, that I had experienced and learned a lot, even from my illness, and my goal became to discover who I am now and make the best future for myself that I can."
Right now, that means Peter helps his folks with chores around the house and reads bedtime stories to his son. Whatever happens, at least he knows he won't share his grandmother's fate, having his very existence denied by those who mean the most to him.