Today I asked my little brother, Josh, what I should write about. He replied, "Well, me of course," like it was the most obvious thing in the world. I laughed to myself as I realized there isn't a more perfect thing to write about than him. So I decided to write a letter to him. I hope one day he sees this letter and he knows the profound impact he has had on me and everyone around him. My brother was born prematurely, and as a result has cerebral palsy, which effects his muscles. His perfect little legs turn in a little when he walks, and he sometimes doesn't have control of his hands, and his eyes sometimes wander in different directions. But he is the most beautiful thing to ever grace this earth. I think everyone should know Josh, and so I am sharing him with you.

Dearest little brother,

You have more kindness and strength and courage within your 8 year old mind than most people have in their entire lives. I can't tell you the amount of joy you bring me when you give me one of your famous koala bear hugs. I love the little giggle that escapes you as you tell me for the hundredth time that I always smell like cupcakes. Your belly laughs that seem to take over your ability to stand could make anyone forget that there was ever hurt or sorrow or pain in this world.

I love that you get up with a smile every time you fall because God made your legs just a little bit different than everyone else's. I love watching you do what they all said you couldn't. I love watching you run and swim and play. I love the furrowed brows of concentration that appear when you are really focused on lining up all of your toys in a perfect row. I even love you when you are screaming and crying in Target because that seems to be your favorite place to cause a scene over toys that aren't coming home with you that day. I love the excitement that dances across your face when you beat a level in your games. I love the way you are so gentle and kind with little babies. I love how you have not ever let what others see as a disability keep you from friendships and fun and adventure. I love how shy you get when you meet a stranger and feel that climbing all over me is the only way to cope with the awkwardness of the situation. I love that when the first beats of Taylor Swift's "1989" play, you know it's "Welcome to New York" and you sing every. single. word. I love that you love Chick-fil-A as much as I do.

And on those days where you feel inferior. When you feel sad and alone and your legs and feet hurt, I don't think there is anything that hurts me more. I wish more than anything that I could make you see yourself the way I do. I wish that I could always keep you away from people's horrible words and dirty looks and all the things in life that make life so much harder for you. But I can't. I hope that when those days come, you will know that there is always someone who thinks you are the best human on the face of this planet. I hope that one day you know just how much you inspire me. I look to you when I think that I cannot go on and you give me the strength to know that I can. I hope with all that I am that I and others will help you to see that.

Thank you for making my world brighter.

I love you, little brother.