The following is just a little excerpt that does not completely include every aspect of how complete my life is with my brother and his extra chromy.

Day one

Down Syndrome is happiness wrapped up and tied up in a bow.

Not to get it confused, it hasn’t always been rainbows and butterflies. I was nine years old when I heard the news: it was a boy.

That was more upsetting than hearing his diagnosis.

I wanted a sister to dress up and play with dolls. People were filtering in and out of the waiting room with faces that were once smiling brightly turned grim and despondent. I was confused and scared. The questions flooded my mind and clouded my thoughts.

Downs, what? What does that mean for me, for us, for the baby? I would soon find out that life would never be the same and that nothing could ever be better.

Following years

The next few years were filled with hospital stays and long distance phone calls with my mother who stayed with him. He had a colostomy and a lot of other health issues that were very stressful BUT I would go through all of that again if it meant that we would be where we are today.

If I am sad, he is there extending his little arm so far, begging me to take his train, promising that it will bring me delight. He is such a fan of music. He still has a problem going to the bathroom and eating everything in sight – he is 12 after all.

Present day

He listens to Kenny Chesney’s Big Green Tractor like nobody’s business. He still gets looks and kids on the playground can be mean. However, nothing is stopping him and that’s how its going stay. On errands to the grocery store, someone will say hi and say that they ‘know someone like him’ to which I reply “I am sure you are all the better for it” then smile and walk on.

I just tell myself if only they really knew that their ignorance only hurts them because my little brother and I are doing just fine.

Having him in my life has taught me sympathy and understanding like nothing else that I have ever experienced. His little heart brims over with a love and dedication that I can only dream of having. I am more than grateful that I have been so fortunate to enjoy his presence in my life more than anything else I have ever experienced.

That includes the people in his life that I come in contact with thanks to him. He is in special ED with some great teachers this year, for that I am thankful. Other families with the same blessings have been such a support group along with family and friends.

Someday in the future

I want college for him. I want him to get a job. I do not have unrealistic expectations for him. I just know what he is capable of and I want it to happen for him.

I am hoping to start something huge for adults with Downs or other special needs. I could honestly jabber on for days about everything that I hope will happen for him. All I want is to shield his precious soul and its good intentions from all of the hate and shallowness in this world.

Maybe he will be the one who changes it and I will be his complementary accessory that follows him and supports him in all that he does.

Maybe. Just maybe.

You say you’re sorry? Sorry for what?