I’m so happy my parents have been able to do everything they have done for him, and I now know they didn’t love me less, they just had to spend their precious time with me differently. I wouldn’t be who I am today, fulfilling my passion of working with children who have special needs, if it weren’t for the experiences I went through.

As I prepare to be my brother’s full-time caregiver in place of my parents, I think about how it will impact my husband and children.

One hope I have for Clem’s future is that she is happy. I want her to be able to experience all the joys life can bring her without hoping she is different. Clementine is the most unique, loving, funny, and sassy person I have ever met and I hope she stays that way forever. I wish everyone could have a Clementine in their life.

I hope that Cade can be a teacher and his tummy always feels full.

My hope is her life will be as normal as everyone else’s.

Because of Zach I deeply respect people with struggles different than mine, and especially those “like him”.