My younger brother has had the largest impact on my life. He IS my super hero.
My brother was diagnosed with a very rare genetic disorder when he was only 10 months old; I was only four years old at the time. And little did I know how much that would affect the way I lived the rest of my life. My brother is one of the happiest and most caring people I've ever met in my life. I can honestly say I have never seen him sad. The only time he doesn't have a smile on his face is when he's sick, and even then, he will still talk to you and be just as interested in every word you say as he is any other day. My brother has no idea that he's different. He isn't capable of grasping what his syndrome is or how it can drastically reduce his lifetime. However, it almost seems as if in some way he does realize it...
My brother lives his life to the fullest and enjoys every last second! He laughs at the simplest of things, gets pleasure out of the most plain conversations, and is genuinely interested in everyone. There is no one that could feel unloved around Jason. Well, he comes off shy at first, but just wait 'till he gets to know you. ;-) He will never be capable of doing some of the things I do, however, he has taught me more than I could ever teach him.
He's taught me to be a better listener. He's taught me to be more loving. He's taught me to be more giving. He's taught me to be more willing. He's taught me to be less selfish. He's taught me to be more compassionate. He's taught me to be a better human.
Now, I live a very active life style. I'm always rushing. Like that old song goes, "I'm in a hurry to get things done. I'm rushing, rushing 'till life's no fun. All I really gotta do is live and die. But I'm in a hurry and don't know why." Whether it be trying to further my education, helping with a local volunteer organization, taking on new assignments at work, etc. I'm always up to something. And while I'm still learning, my brother is still teaching me how to enjoy every minute we have on this earth. I've started trying to slow things down a little bit more and just enjoy those around me and enjoy the moment, because who knows when this moment might be our last. I am but a work in progress, but for all my brother has taught me, I love him dearly.
