A total of 3 percent of the world's population are twins, and I just so happen to fall into that category. Growing up with a twin sister always opened the door for many questions about what life is like or if I wish I wasn't a twin. Life is great with a twin sister, and I would never wish to not be a twin.
My sister is a beautiful, talented, spunky and independent young woman who I love with my whole heart. But more than that, she is my HERO. Yes, my twin sister is my hero, but for more reasons than most would realize.
She was born with Cerebral Palsy (CP), which is a disorder typically caused from some type of brain damage or abnormal development that affects muscle tone, movement and motor skills. The past 21 years have not been easy for my sister by any means, but she has never let her life's speed bumps turn into total road blocks. If there is one thing that I would change about my sister, it would be that she wouldn't have to go through the pain and the physical ailments that she deals with on a daily basis. But these are the cards she has been dealt and she has adapted to it and does life full force every single day. Five different surgeries, countless procedures, AFO's (braces for her legs), crutches, walkers — the list goes on and on. But CP doesn't define my sister.
We grew up just like any other set of twins would. We played outside, we had imaginary friends, we played house, and of course we fought, but we always had each other at the end of the day. No matter what. CP never once stopped my sister. Yeah, it may slow her down from time to time but she always finds a way to power through and beat the odds.
They said she would never graduate high school with a regular ed. diploma because of her learning disability; she did.
They said she would never get into college; she did.
They said she would never walk on her own; she can!
No matter who said she couldn't do something, she always found a way to prove them wrong.
Over the years, my sister has taught me more in her journey with CP than anything else in my life has. She has shown me how to treat every single day as a blessing, no matter what life hands you. She has taught me how to push through adversity and trials, even when you just want to give up. She has proven time and time again that no one is in charge of what you can and will do in life other than yourself. She has shown me that true strength isn't defined by your physical abilities, but true strength is found in your heart and your character. People stare and she finds a way to make the most out of the situation. People ask questions about why she is the way she is and she will proudly explain her disability to you, because she doesn't let CP become who she is. Most importantly, she has shown me that just because the world wants to label you as "different," that doesn't define anything about you and who you are as a person.
So yes, life is different with a twin that has CP, but my sister is the most amazing person you will ever meet.
This one is for you sis, thank you for teaching me everything you have over the years, for being my hero, and my forever best friend!
