Beverley from Illinois

The song "He ain't heavy He's my brother" comes to my mind when I think about my brother Bob. My brother is a special needs adult and I am his sister and caretaker. In 1992, when I was 38 years old, I moved back home to care for my ailing father and special needs brother. My mom had just recently died. In 2001 my dad passed away leaving me to care for my brother. Bob was born with Hunters Syndrome, a rare genetic disease that left him developmentally disabled. He was born after we moved into the house that we now own and live in. He has never lived anywhere else. I help him with his doctors visits, paying his bills, applying for disability, shopping for his personal needs and many other tasks. I am blessed to have Bob in my life. I am now a retired Special Education Assistant teacher and have the time to take Bob places. He is my "Best Buddie" and keeps me company. The best part of my experience is that he is always there for me. We help each other with housework, taking care of each other when we are sick, enjoying holidays together, and keeping each other company. I chose to live in our childhood home so he can always be able to stay in the only home he has ever known. It's not hard or a burden to take care of my brother Bob. It's a blessing.

Thanks,
Beverley Crane