Jack Frost once said, "Unconditional love is not based on the performance of the receiver, but on the character of the giver." I find that the beauty of this statement lies within the understanding that unconditional love is simply that, unconditional. Cherishing someone only because you know they feel mutually towards you isn't true love. My little brother has special needs, and although I know he loves me dearly, it is difficult for him to express so in most conventional ways. However, this doesn't affect my appreciation for him in the slightest manner--in fact, I know that the way I love him is a way I will never be able to love anyone else.

Some may reason that growing up with a sibling with special needs is strenuous and demanding, which I won't deny is true. Although, I find that it was challenging in all the right ways. My brother has taught me so much about myself, and simply life in general, in the short time frame of sixteen years that he's been present in my life. One of the greatest quality's I have instilled within myself due to him is being compassionate towards all. Many people who know me personally would most likely identify me as a very friendly and kind-hearted person to all, even to those who aren't reciprocative, and many times I've been asked why I treat people so well that "don't deserve to be treated well." My answer to that is, everyone deserves to be treated with compassion. I believe that spreading affection is an act of humanity that has been lost over the years as people have become more and more self-indulgent, and should be revived as a means of creating a more understanding society which to live within.

My baby brother is by far the greatest blessing I have received and I am forever grateful to be able to call him mine! Watching him grow over the years and gradually accomplish feats in life makes me feel like the proudest older sister in the world. It is truly the most beautiful thing to witness a child with special needs find happiness within the smallest things in life that most of us take for granted, such as food or television. Seeing a smile light up on their face at the end of a rough day is probably one of the most heartwarming feelings a person can experience. Whenever I'm feeling overwhelmed with my life and so hopeless about everything, all I have to do is think about my brother. He is my happiness, my motivation, my dearest pal all packaged into one exceedingly gratifying human being whom I will always consider my prized possession.