"Maybe he wouldn't want to be like me"

Nicely done story about a 12-year-old kid's devotion to his twin brother, who has severe autism. I defy you to read the last line (and the subject line isn't it) without the room getting a little dusty.

http://www.tampabay.com/features/humaninterest/article948355.ece

 

Another great Lane DeGregory read. She did the Girl in the Window series this summer, about the neglected girl taken in by a Fort Myers family. Be reminded here: http://www.tampabay.com/specials/2008/reports/danielle/

DeGregory has a great touch with those stories; her writing is beautifully minimalist. She lets the subjects of the stories do the work and stays out of the way.

Worth spending some time clicking the links at DeGregory's profile: http://www.tampabay.com/writers/article380127.ece

 

Holy hell, what a great story. Sadly, I hate reading these because they really hit home and bother me. I feel so lucky to have three kids and not have any of these challenges.

 

No 12-year-old should have to have that kind of perspective, but thank God he does.

 

I didn't tear up at the last line, but it really cemented for me how damn aware Anthony is. Extraordinary children, both. I also wonder what will happen in 10 years or so, if somehow they are separated and Ryan doesn't have that daily presence in his life...probably one of the saddest moments you could ever experience.

 

Tremendous story. Very mature young man, and she does a great job of observing and then telling the story

 

Awesome story.

 

Wow.

I just fired off an e-mail to my baby brother just to let him know how much I love him.

Thanks for the link.