24 Things I Love About My Twin Brother Who Has Down Syndrome

Hello everyone!

We turned 24 this past week, I couldn’t be more grateful to celebrate it with anyone else. We may have celebrated it differently this year than we did in years past, and that didn’t stop us from making the best of our (socially distanced) time together.

I get many questions about what it’s like having a sibling who has Down Syndrome-- especially when they’re your twin. Are we telepathic? In our own sense, I think yes, especially since Michael communicates without words.

Yes, everyday may not be easy. And I wouldn’t change our situation for the world. 

I’m grateful for every moment I’ve had with Michael, including the ups and downs. Each of those moments brought me to where I am now, and have taught me things that no one else has.

Here are 24 things I love about Michael:

  1. The way he unconditionally loves others

  2. He’s my best friend since before birth

  3. He may not speak to me in words, but he communicates through love better than anyone else I know

  4. His kindness towards others, no matter who they are

  5. His sweet smiles-- especially after forehead kisses!

  6. The way he twists his hands or creates a lotus flower shape when he’s exploding with joy 

  7. The way he rocks his body while he’s listening to music

  8. How much he loves the waves in the ocean

  9. His love for swimming (I used to be an NCAA swimmer and we love swimming together!) 

  10. The big hugs that he gives- always full of love!

  11. Michael checking himself out in the mirror every night before bed with my dad’s sunglasses- he’s handsome and he knows it!

  12. He can down wine or beer like a true champ!

    My Favorite things I’ve learned from Michael:

  13. Unconditionally loving yourself

  14. The power of forgiveness

  15. Living in the present

  16. Cherishing the Moments we have with the ones we love

  17. We all love hugs (and seriously missing them right now!)

  18. Kindness goes a long way

  19. Smiles are free

  20. Hugs are the best

  21. How to not give a sh*t about what others think

  22. No more worrying about looking good enough

  23. Your perspective goes a long way

  24. Humans love hugs (can ya tell I can’t wait to hug Michael once this is over??)

Julia Toronczak2 Comments