A Very Special Joey

My brother Joey lives in an 18 year old body with a 6 year old brain. He was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 5 months old which causes him to have seizures and developmental delays however, he is the happiest person I know and my best friend.

From the day Joey was born, I always wanted to help him. I was always there trying to feed him, pick him up, open his presents on his birthdays (which usually never ended well) and basically everything a big sister wants to do. From the day he was born, it was my job as the big sister to look after him and I loved it. From doctor visits to playdates, I was always by his side holding his hand. I even had a song I would sing to him, “don’t worry little Joey.” I remember the day I told my parents I wanted to be a pediatric neurologist and live on Park Avenue in New York City to help kids like my brother. Unfortunately, I decided that was not the path I wanted to take but that would have been very cool.

Since Joey always needed someone with him because he could have a seizure at any time, I learned responsibility at a young age. I remember the first time my mom left me home alone with Joey. I was in middle school and this was such a huge step for my mom. She always says she is at her happiest when she is with Joey, so leaving him with me at a young age was huge for me too, I couldn’t let her down. I had witnessed Joey have a few seizures before and I knew what to do. After that time and everything went smooth, it became routine. I loved staying home alone with him and he did too. We would play games and watch our favorite shows, it was the best.

Fast forward to high school. I joined the Best Buddies club at my school. I was really good with kids with special needs and I loved talking with them. I would even go to birthday parties with Joey and all of his friends instead of my mom because I was also a friend, not just a babysitter. If it weren’t for Joey, I would never have joined Best Buddies. If it weren’t for Joey, I wouldn’t have the courage and confidence to talk to anybody, any age, any disability. If it weren’t for Joey, I wouldn’t have a best friend who has me put his slippers on every night before he goes to bed. Joey has shaped my life in so many ways for the better. He has made me a more caring, empathetic and overall better person. He is a joy to this world and has shaped not only my life, but everyone he meets lives. Cheers to 2 years seizure free and to many more!