My brother was born with a rare, crippling disease. And by the time the chatty little boy was fifteen, he’d lost his speech. So his gait’s crooked, one arm is twisted behind his back, and his speech is mumbled, but even in the face of all that he has a great disposition. He loves to smile, laugh, and crack jokes. He loves to fly, read, and work on computers. The forty-two year old has a brilliant mind, but unfortunately it is lost on those who cannot see past his twisted frame.
When he came to visit me recently, I had chores so I brought him along. Inside the bank, I pulled a candy dish down from the top counter and asked, “Would you like a sucker?”
“Yes,” he mumbled and took one from the bowl.
When we left, the teller smiled wide and waved real big, “Goodbye,” she said as if he were a dumb little child. I nearly snorted out loud.
When we reached the exit I burst into laughter. “People treat you like you’re a retard.”
He smiled. “You do it too!” He was referring to the candy dish. “All of you do it.”
“Make no mistake,” I said, “I used you as a prop. I wanted a sucker.” (It’s an older sister thing.) He, of course, laughed heartily.
I can assure you that he plays his baby brother role well too. He likes to sneak up on me and attack me. I scream every single time.
He’s also very opinionated. If you proclaimed it’s purple, he’ll disagree and tell you it’s a dark blue and proceed to tell you why. My mother used to say he was an argumentative little guy. I’m sure mother was smiling down from Heaven over our recent bible debate. My brother flat informed me the version I was reading was not a good translation. Long debate short, he bought me an ESV study bible. It really does read nicely and I am enjoying it immensely. So now I’ll have to relent and agree that his opinion does matter.
I admire my brother’s tenacity and winning attitude. He has to face adversity head on every single day and comes out on top, so say a little prayer for him for he has many more days to conqueror.
Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trail, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12
