Michael Organek was born with cerebral palsy to an urban, ethnic, working-class family. He was a witness and, at times, a participant to the extraordinary and turbulent events of the sixties and early seventies. His nonpassive personality put him at odds with the educational system, later with the Federal Civil Service bureaucracy, and his interaction with nondisabled society both personally and professionally. His life's journey is full of adapting to environments that were, at times, a paradox and diametrically opposed to his core values. He chronicles his mistakes without being apologetic. Perseverance and tenacity were essential qualities for his living a dignified existence.