Kaitlyn’s Essay

My name is Kaitlyn. And this is what it was like having a Heart Warrior for a sibling to me. My little brother David.

At first, I didn't really understand what my brother had, or how bad it could get. But as the years went by, I started to pay more attention at his appointments, and me and my family joined Mended Little Hearts and went to their meetings. Then I became confused. How can someone so young, be so full of life, while dealing with a life-threatening condition? Everyone we've ever met has described him as someone with a big smile. Someone who when entering a room lit it up with light.

It got scary at times, there were times he went to the ER frequently. We were lucky enough to get 15 years with him. but even then, it was far too soon. When he was dying, that was when we found out just how many people cared about him. It was overwhelming. So many people helped us during and after his passing. It's hard, waking up and seeing your siblings, seeing that one of them is missing. But I'm glad I'm left with the memories, I'll always have them.

I never minded that David had a Heart condition. If you didn't know that about him you would've just thought he was just a normal, cheerful, little kid. I never thought differently of him as a sibling, he was actually usually the more fun one to be around. Always up for going out and doing stuff. It can be a challenge living with a Heart Warrior, but it was worth everything. He was an awesome brother.