I've had a recurring dream a lot over the past few years. My brother Landon and I are riding in the car down Pine Street in my hometown. There's a McDonald's on the left side of the road, and when we pass it he says "hey, let's stop for a cheeseburger." I'm thrown back into reality and unable to fall back asleep for a long time.
It seems like a normal dream and would be to me if my brother could talk.
Landon White is challenged every day by multiple mental and physical disabilities. They are caused by a broken arm on his fourteenth chromosome. He has suffered across the years from this one microscopic mishap, which causes him pain that words cannot describe.
After Landon was born, he spent the better part of a year in hospital care receiving treatments that would save his life. Due to the help of doctors, the power of prayer, and his own strength, Landon did the impossible and survived. Since then, his life has been no easier. His schedule is filled with different treatments that keep him functioning and doctor's visits multiple days a week. A lot of his nutrition is taken via IV or a tube leading directly to his stomach, and he needs multiple medicines throughout the day to just to keep him stabilized. His immune system is easily corrupted, meaning the common cold could put him in the hospital. This has caused him to suffer socially and educationally, causing his overall perception of life to be warped.
And yet, he stays happy.
Landon's story may seem to be made of sadness and unsolvable problems, but he is defined by his love and resilience through trials. Despite his inability to talk, he communicates constantly with people around him through his bright smile and cheerful demeanor. He makes everyone he comes across that much happier to be with him.
His effect on my life has been huge. As most would assume, living with Landon can be a bit hectic at times. However, having been with him since the beginning, I can tell you that his presence in our home has been a blessing rather than a curse. He teaches my family and me more every day about what it means to be strong and shows just how unstoppable a person can be. He conducts his life without complaint and boundless love that I hope to give to others in my life.
As a child, I used to think my family was strange. We would go out to dinner or on vacation and get judgemental looks from most of the people around us. Today, I look at the life I've lived and couldn't be more grateful. Landon has taught me not to worry about what others think and that living an unconventional life is better than a normal one. He has taught me not to complain and to look at life more optimistically. He shows that the pain I experience in my day-to-day life is close to nothing, and teaches to be thankful for my health and the things I am able to do. He has taught me that you can never judge anyone by outward appearance and that the human body is nothing more than a vessel for the soul. He has taught me the power of prayer and has shown me that God does hear our prayers.
More than anything, Landon has taught me not to give up. No matter the pain, no matter the circumstance, and no matter the obstacle, Landon stands tall and faces it with courage that I will never understand. He has shown me that true strength comes from the heart and that the only thing that conquers all is love.
I love Landon more than anything and I can't wait to see all of the things that he's going to accomplish. For someone who can't talk, he sure says a whole lot.
