I was taught at a very early age to care for my special needs brother who is 2 years younger than myself. He was born with mild retardation. As a teenager, I remember assisting my mother with taking him to doctor's, visits, laundry, preparation of meals, administering medications, and assisting in extracurricular activities. Our mother passed on in 1996 and I have had to continue the daily needs of my brother. He also has medical challenges; sight in only one eye, insulin dependent diabetic and he is a kidney transplant recipient. Because I have worked with my brother for many years, I was awarded by the court to be his legal guardian. I have never looked at taking care of my brother or any of his friends as a burden.