mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved...

I’m thankful for my brother Kenny.

Kenny has Down Syndrome. 

He’s 14 months older than me, but in a lot of ways I’ve felt like a big sister to him. I taught him to crawl, to walk, to talk. I’ve looked out for him and helped take care of him in ways an older sibling would.

In many ways I’ve felt like an only child. He’s my only sibling and we don’t have a typical sibling relationship. I can’t talk to him the same way or about the same things that “normal” siblings might. So sometimes I’ve felt alone.

But in every way I am proud to be his baby sister.

Kenny may have “disabilities,” but I can guarantee he’s done more in his 27 years than a lot of people do in a lifetime. He’s a world traveler, grew up going to the theater and has performed in plays himself, plays instruments and makes beautiful art, has played some sports I had never even heard of, and is a Special Olympics gold medalist many times over. He’s been to baseball, football, hockey, and World Cup soccer games. He’s even a regular at Chipotle. You rarely see Kenny without a smile. He doesn’t look down on other people or let fear stop him from going after what he wants. 

This past summer Kenny moved out of our parents’ place and into a house with 5 roommates. He has excelled and grown up so much in the past few months living out on his own. He has a job and spends his money to travel with his roommates and go out every weekend. His vocabulary has improved and he talks more than ever. I’m so proud of him and all that he is accomplishing in life.

Growing up with a brother with Down Syndrome has shaped so many parts of who I am today. It’s made me a strong person and a sensitive person. It’s given me a unique perspective on life and given me some insecurities. But every time he calls me “baby sister” I know that I am adored and I am loved. He teaches me to love better since he never holds back his own. He reminds me to laugh. He reminds me that there is joy in every circumstance. 

Maybe I don’t have a “normal” sibling relationship, but I am thankful for the one I have. 

I love you, Kenny Polek!