I lit a candle – as I do every year on this date – to commemorate Joseph’s birthday and his short time spent here. Its’ flame is identical to the one burning in my heart, the one Joseph unknowingly implanted there forever ago, and the one that has always managed to keep me alive. I thanked Joseph for that today, and for being born. I thanked him for being in my presence, though only for a brief seven years. And I thanked him for having such a profound impact on my life. Joseph’s memory and unfortunate passing helped to sculpt me into the man I’ve grown to become. I learned about compassion and humility and the fragility of human existence. He forced me to not take anything for granted, and to appreciate life.

I swore long ago to fight this angry disease with every ounce of my inner fortitude. I do this not only for my own survival among other reasons, but also to honor my brother by living all of the minutes that he could not. In a sense, I live to get a little payback. I spit in the face of Duchenne every single day for stealing Joseph and so many others. The more I carry on, the more I steal from Duchenne. An eye for an eye and a soul for a soul is how I see it, and I plan on being a criminal for years to come!