Two of a Kind

If you have spent any amount of time with me in the last several years, you have likely heard the names Colin and Ryan.  They are two very sweet now Tween’s who celebrate their 12th birthday today.  I first met Colin and Ryan nearly six years ago when I answered an ad on Craigslist for someone to watch a couple of six year olds on a regular basis.  Ever having a passion for caring for children,  I interviewed with their mom, Lisa, and met the two kids.  The rest as they say, is history.  

Colin and Ryan aren’t your average twins.  Colin is comprised of a quizzical mind, an aptitude for adventure and a resiliency to take life as it comes.  Ryan has an infectious laugh, passion for the outdoors and a fighting spirit.  The two of them with their mom take life as it comes and welcome new opportunities.  In the six years I’ve known them I have seen their life and home change in several ways.   The family of three have stuck together and shown the world just what they are made of. 

One of the challenges this family has stared in the face is a disease called Rett Syndrome.  At the age of two when Ryan began to show signs that her development was not progressing but was instead regressing, her parents began to learn about this villain that would have it’s grip on Ryan and her family for the rest of their lives.   Simplified, Rett Syndrome is a little heard of neurological disorder seen primarily in females, categorized by a genetic mutation on the X chromosome.  Some of the symptoms include repetitive hand movements, seizures, irregular breathing, gastrointestinal disorders, and curvature of the spine.  Ryan experiences many of these issues on a daily basis.  She is non verbal but communicates primarily thru her eyes and heart.  When asked how I, or anyone else, know what she wants, I tell them I know because I know her.  I have listened to her for six years.  When she is tired she rubs her eyes or twirls her hair.  When her stomach is upset she leans to the right.  When she’s really hungry she gets antsy and fidgety, often resulting in tears if we take too long.  She and her family have worked hard to help her live as normal a life as possible.   Ryan has gone white water rafting, rides horses, and loves to go to the mall.  She doesn’t let a little disease keep her down!

I am thrilled to be a part of the journey and to get to love both Ryan and Colin.  One of the greatest joys of knowing this family has been to watch the way Colin, who does not have the disease, loves his sister.  As he enters the teenage world and everything that goes along with it, it is beautiful to watch him care for and engage with her.  He rarely looses patience with her (we all have our limits with siblings!).  There remains that love shared between twins and a special affinity for a sister who can’t do everything he can. Ryan in return absolutely adores her brother.  I have been witness to the joy that comes shown thru laughter when Colin gets in the car after they’ve had time apart.  She is incapable of jealousy or feeling badly about anything he does that she cannot. 

I look forward to many years of knowing this family and watching life unfold for them. In the meantime, I am absolutely thrilled to say: Happy Twelfth Birthday to Colin and Ryan!! Thanks for sharing your lives not only with me, but with so many others.  

For more information on Rett Syndrome visit:  http://www.rettsyndrome.org/