Growing up with a sibling who has a disability can be challenging at times, but I wouldn't change it for anything. Although I'm extremely biased, I think that my brother is remarkable and I'm always amazed by everything that he does. It's hard for me to explain exactly what it's like having a sibling with a disability, but I can list all of the ways it has impacted my life.
If I did not have my brother, I know I would not be half the person I am today. I'm constantly reminded of his compassion and love for everyone he meets, and how he can put a smile on my face without even trying. If I did not have my brother, I would not know that it is possible to be an optimist when life becomes hard. He has shown me time and time again how he will persevere through challenging times. Without my brother, I would have never learned how it is possible to do anything if you put your mind to it and don't give up.
It pains me that not everyone can see how remarkable he is...that all they see is his disability and that he is different. While it saddens me that they don't see the entirety of the brilliant boy I get to call my brother, I know that it is not important. All that is important is that he is happy...and he is. He is by far the happiest person I have ever met, and his smile and laugh are contagious.
I cannot begin to thank my brother for everything he has taught me. What I can thank him for is for being my biggest supporter, best friend, and for laughing at me while I sing along to Hamilton in the car. I cannot imagine life without him because he has managed to change it in so many ways by just being himself.
At the end of the day, having a sibling who has a disability is no different than having a sibling with no disability. It may be different, but I can't imagine it being any different. My brother is by far the most caring person I have ever met, and I am so blessed to have him in my life.
