I hope everyone will vote “yes” on Question 1 — universal home care. Help with home care would have made a huge difference for my family as we cared for my mother, Betty Williams. Three years ago, she died from multiple myeloma. We struggled to care for her at home for many years.

I am a veteran of the United States Armed Forces, Army and National Guard. I served for a year in Iraq, beginning shortly after the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. I had joined the military in part to pay for my college education. I was glad to defend my country, even though I have doubts now about America policing the world.

In 2006, I came home carrying the burden of post-traumatic stress disorder and found my mother in very bad shape. We had to find a place we could live together, so I could take care of her. I was struggling myself with the PTSD, to finish my education, and to find employment. We needed help so that my mother could stay in her home. She had worked as a missionary in Brazil for 25 years, and then taught school here in Maine, all while raising her own children and some of her grandchildren as well. She deserved to complete her life the way she wanted to.

So I hope Question 1 will pass this November so all Maine families will have good safe choices about how they care for their loved ones.

Sri Dhyana, Auburn

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