Even before I was born, I have lived with a brother with a disability. As weird as that statement sounds, it is actually a true statement. I am the middle triplet with an Autistic brother, as well as another brother who goes to college with me. I can honestly say I have never been alone. Yet, it is not only my brother who is a triplet with me that has a disability, but my youngest brother has Down syndrome, as well as heart problems. Having such a unique background may seem difficult to some, yet I do not see my brothers as a charity case that makes my life a tragedy.
Where there times when I felt left out from the attention they would get from my parents? Yes. Where there times when I was jealous of some of the things they got to do in school? Yes there were. Yet, at a young age, I did not understand how lucky to experience a life they are not able to. Do I feel sorry for my brothers? No I do not.
Feeling sorry for them does not help them. They deserve respect, and feeling sorry for them takes away what makes them great. I do take advantage of them, whether it be taking the t.v from them or asking them to get stuff for me. Yet, I treat them like my brothers and see them for more than how they were born. They both have huge personalities and even though they are not verbal, they have more of a personality than some other people I have known. Sometimes, it's hard because you will never know why they are upset or what they are thinking. I do not give enough credit to my parents who help them day-to-day.
I am the middle child of four brother’s total, so being the only girl sometimes means I like time to myself. There would be times when I would have friends over and my little brother would not leave us alone. He would chase us around the house, as well as not leave my room. Yet, he wants to be included and be a part of the fun. Sometimes I forget that he may feel insecure too.
Regardless, I am the person I am because of all I have learned from them. I have never felt the need to say that I have a tough life and complain to others because of my brothers. There were things my family never got to do, including going on vacations. It is not always easy, but I have a greater understanding of the type of person I want to be due to my unique situation. As of now, both of my brothers are happy and feel loved, which I hope makes them realize that having a disability does not define them.
