When I was in fourth grade, my mom told my sisters and me that we were going to have a sister with Down syndrome. All I thought about was how people were going to stare, make fun of her and think of us differently. Never would I have thought that she would bring so many people smiles, laughter and break so many of my things (haha, seriously though).

Kathleen has Down syndrome, a special need that effects the 21st chromosome. Yes, Kathleen can walk, talk, jump, sing, hit, scream, run, swim, etc. She's just like you and me, only funnier (and crazier).

She's my blessing for so many reasons:

1. She's a blessing because she taught me more than the 14 years that I've been in school.

She's taught me not to judge, to have patience, to communicate, to not leave my valuables on the counter or she'll throw them and they'll break. She's taught me how to smile on my hardest days, to laugh when I cry, and how to multi-task (because if you aren't watching her, something will break). She did crack my phone, and I am still learning how to forgive her for that, but whatever. I'm picking my battles.

2. She's a blessing because she's taught me to appreciate family.

I have never seen someone love their family so much. She remembers everyone's name (even the dog's name) and asks to call them almost every day. She's rubbed off on me so much. (I definitely call my mom 5+ times a day!)

3. She's a blessing because she's taught me that the r-word (retarded) is not a word.

This word just makes me mad talking about it. Don't use the word retarded. Look it up on Urban Dictionary. I could go on about this word for days.

There's a website dedicated to ending the use of the word. It's a real thing! Sign the petition and make a stand. There is no reason for that word to even exist.

4. She's a blessing because she's taught me that tattoos are actually cool (and doesn't judge me for having them).

So many people judge tattoos (which will probably be another article in and of itself) but she has always loved my tattoos. She points them out and says, "Cool art, Claire," and it's just the best thing. Tattoos rock! If you have a tattoo, good for you!

5. She's a blessing because she has taught me how to make friends (seriously, I've made friends because of her).

She's the most friendly person in the entire world, meets awesome people, and somehow they always make their way into our family's life. She not only makes friends for me, but teaches me how to make friends!

Kathleen changes so many lives and is such a blessing in our family. She has taught me so much, and I'm so excited to watch her grow up and learn to stop throwing my things! Wow!

So, for all those families and siblings with sisters or brothers with special needs: keep on rockin'! We are a community together and together we can change the world and perspectives on children with special needs.

Spread the word to end the word! Stop using the word "retarded." People with special needs know what you're saying and what you're referring to (believe it or not). There are millions of other words to choose from instead of using the r-word. If you hear people using the r-word, call them out! It's a lack of education — share your story and that's one less person who would be using that word.

Not a day goes by that I don't thank God for putting our sweet Kathleen in our lives. She has changed my life, my friends and our community. She's amazing, and if you have a sister or brother, cousin, aunt or uncle with special needs — you are blessed!

When I was in fourth grade, my mom told my sisters and I that we were going to have a sister with Down syndrome. The stares? I mean, I have the cutest sister in the world, so, of course they're going to stare! She's beautiful! Make fun of her? Nah — she doesn't take any crap from anyone (she will throw something at you/hit you/tell you off). Think of us differently? — only because we are one hell of a family and so strong! Never would I have thought that she would bring so many people smiles, laughter, and break so many of my things (which, normally, once she say's sorry, I get over it).