While growing up, I seemed to have a standard two-parent family. I engaged in sports and stayed active to avoid the tension at home. However, the truth was anything but ordinary. At age 15, I began working at Dairy Queen to assist with household expenses and make sure my twin siblings, born in 2004, received what they required. My parents battled with addiction, frequently leaving the kids unsupervised. My brother, who was diagnosed with autism at the age of three, would occasionally leave home. I was in a state of perpetual anxiety.
Child Protective Services was contacted several times during our lives, frequently by worried neighbors. However, due to the fear of being apart, I refrained from revealing the truth. I worked every day, juggling two jobs while still in high school, doing everything possible to maintain our stability.
During my final year, my dad experienced a severe heart attack and stroke. We suddenly relocated to Belle, WV, to be nearer to the hospital. My father became a paraplegic, and my mother, feeling overwhelmed, gradually withdrew.
One evening, she departed and never came back. At 17, I was left on my own until my grandparents welcomed me right before I graduated. My father was adamant that I attend college, regardless of the circumstances. I never intended to pursue higher education, but I respected his desire and registered at Marshall University.
In my first year of college, I got a phone call my father was passing away. I hurried to bid farewell. His final message: “Complete your education and look after your brothers and sisters.” I gave my word.
Years later, my younger sister discovered me on Facebook and informed me about their circumstances. I got ready. I obtained a degree in criminal justice, worked full-time, and leased a house just in case. At 23, I received a call from my sister, who was alone and frightened. I collected her, submitted a protective order, and started the steps to obtain custody. My mother jogged alongside my brother, who doesn’t speak. Ten days later, following a court mandate, I had both siblings securely under my guardianship.
The path was challenging numerous court hearings, CPS check-ins, and emotional collapses—but I persevered. I registered my siblings for therapy, monitored my brother’s IEP, and created a life filled with stability and affection. Following two years, the guardianship was established as permanent. We wept and rejoiced. I fulfilled my commitment.
Currently, I’m 26 years old, married, residing in Louisiana, and nurturing two amazing teenagers. I’m working on my doctorate in criminal justice and have launched a photography business, instructing my brother in skills to foster his independence. We may not be a conventional family but we are a resilient one. My advice to anyone on a similar journey would be: Exercise patience. Stay determined. And don’t ever undervalue the strength of love.
