This limitless love and well-honed intention could not have prepared us for a disaster as profound as chronic illness.

In our family, being the eldest brother doesn’t always mean meeting your milestones first and sometimes a younger sibling has to step up.

I wanted what I’ve never wanted—to be told, moment by moment, what to do next. I wanted the pressure of knowing what’s best to be anyone’s pressure but mine.

I felt like Valerie and I were all alone, stranded with our precious flower, unsure of how best to help our son but determined to protect him no matter what.

I want him to fulfill what he is capable of, just like any parent—but I admit there is a part of me that worries he will fall through the cracks of this loud world.