As a sister of someone with special needs, I have experienced many things that most people may never experience. From birth, my twin brother Dalton was never expected to live past the age of two. He was diagnosed with Krabbe Disease, which is a rare genetic disease that effects the nervous system. Those who are diagnosed with this disease suffer from seizures, myelin breakdown, tightening of the muscles, lost eyesight and speech, and developmental issues. Luckily, my family was aware of this rare disease because our oldest brother had passed away from Krabbe. Since Dalton was diagnosed early, he was a candidate for a bone marrow transplant, where I was his donor. Ever since, Dalton has beaten all odds. Despite proving many wrong, Dalton has had some horrible times.
For as long as I can remember, I've been told to count my days with him. How does one tell a four-year-old to say goodbye to her brother, her best friend? With several said goodbyes, my heart still breaks each time. You would think that I would be used to the doctors telling us to prepare ourselves, but each time is harder than the last. Being his twin gives me this special bond to share with him, and losing him would kill me inside. I will never forget how sick he was in the winter of 2014. He stopped breathing completely. His heart rate was outrageously high. No one, not even the doctors could do anything to help him. He himself knew that his time to leave us was quickly approaching.
As my mother and father signed a "Do Not Resuscitate" form, we all prepared for what we felt was really the last time. We all took turns cuddling with him. He wasn't able to talk back, which was just another sign that his fight was ending. Yet, out of nowhere, Dalton's health slowly started rising. He was getting better and no one knew how or why. My family’s only answer was a higher power; and to God, we give our entire thanks.
Now, beating all odds and overcoming any health issues, Dalton is 19-years-old and he is healthy. He is the reason I have chosen to become a Special Education teacher. Dalton and those like him have such an amazing story to tell, and I feel it is partially my job to help everyone discover their stories.
Dalton's story is one of happiness, heartache, and love. His life has brought faith and hope to mine. I've learned that his fight is also my fights. Without this life experience, even I wouldn't be who I am today. Although his fight has been solely his fight, he has remained strong throughout it all. He never showed how scared he was or how much pain he was in. He gave me a story to tell, and now it is my job to find another one to tell.
