Today is the anniversary of my brother, Billy's birthday.  Today, if he was still on this plane of existence, he would be 40 years old.  Happy Birthday, Billy!!!  I have two pictures of Billy in my home, one at my computer--he helps me when I become technology-challenged, and one on my sewing table which mainly is used for my seed-packets to help them with their fertility.Billy was a scientist.  He looked at all things rationally, mathematically, and scientifically.  He was not a religious young man though I don't think he totally negated the spiritual realm.  He was highly intelligent, and I often think the world was not ready for his genius.  Ok, maybe I overstate that, but please allow a grieving sistour some leeway here.I loved my brother, and he has been a tremendous influence on how I perceive my MS.  Billy died of Duchenne's Muscular Dystrophy at a month from his 22nd b-day.  He lived in a wheelchair from the time he was 11 until his death, and he lived on a respirator the last year of his life.  Billy could barely move his disease-ridden body, but he was always positive.  Sure, I'm not so naive to think he didn't cry some nights, but all I remember was his brave face.  He met many challenges head-on, made his own solutions, and wanted to LIVE!!!He was a good egg in every way, even when he was respirator-bound.  He just wanted his computer and his life.  When we were young, he and I went to the local stores and sat out front collecting for "Jerry's Kids" as he was one.  One time, Dad took us to KDKA in Pittsburgh, PA to drop off our collections at the fishbowl collection site. Also, when we were young, we went to Grandma's house every Sunday, and on the way home, my sistour and I always knew to put the bug in Billy's ear for chips or ice cream.  When he asked, we were always sure to stop.  We went to the beach every summer, and I still have a picture of Billy catching a wave in his ocean wheelchair, and sitting on the beach fishing.  When we went to Disney World on a family vacation, we got to go up the exit lines bucking ahead of everyone and getting on the ride with no waiting.  A small benefit for the imprisoned life Billy lived.I'm glad that my parents gave Billy every opportunity to travel including a trip out West in a motor home, 9 of us in all, the Southern route through Carlsbad caverns, to the Las Vegas then the Grand Canyon then all the way to the Pacific Ocean.  We came back home on the Northern route though I don't remember much of that part of the trip.On Billy's last trip to the Atlantic Ocean and the beach, he was very sick.  He asked my Dad to drive him down the strip by the beach on the way out of town.  After my family returned home, Billy died two weeks before the beginning of school (both of my parents taught in the public schools).Today, I celebrate Billy's life!  Thank you, Billy, for teaching me and showing me how to be brave when my body doesn't work quite right.  Thank you for teaching me to keep my chin up and face life bravely believing that there is nothing I can't do.  Your influence is enormous, even today, and I thank you for teaching me so much!  I know you don't need your legs anymore because you have wings.  I also know that your body was restored to perfect health as I see you sometimes out of the corner of my eye here on my farm. Don't worry, Billy, these are just tears of joy that you have a better life now.  And, please, take care of my beloved BigBig for me until I meet you again.  Your sistour loves you! and we all miss you today... xoxoxo Cj