Little Cousin, Big Hero

I was sitting at the Thanksgiving table talking with my younger cousin, Alan. He was listing all of the presidents, in order, along with their vice presidents, with a huge smile on his face and incessantly laughing. Anyone listening to our conversation would think that he was just another boy. What they wouldn't know is that he is blind, and he is one of the happiest people I know.

Alan loves learning. He has an unconditional love for his family that is unusual for his age. He thinks in ways most people never will. He thinks out of the box. He is eight years old and teaches me about life every time we're together. When Alan was six weeks old, I was told he was blind. At the time, I was six years old. At first, I did not understand. Then, over the next few years, I began to feel sorry for him, thinking that there would be no way for him to be happy when he wouldn't be able to see the world around him.

However, the more time that I spent with him, the more I realized that he was happy and that he loved life, though I still didn't understand how this was possible, because I relied so much on my eyesight to interpret my world. I now see that he has the most important things he needs in life. He has a loving family and friends, a passion for learning, and he is honest and direct. That is what he needs to be happy.

He doesn't need brand name clothes, or the newest computer programs, or the best looking friends. To me, this is remarkable. Alan's family is always there for him and is still teaching him right from wrong. His sister, Karly, and brother, Zacko, amaze me when I see them working with Alan, helping him to achieve something new. Along with my Aunt Betsy and Uncle David, there is nothing the Brint family cannot do. They are always ready for the next challenge and together they are unstoppable.

Alan can make anyone laugh by putting a smile on his own face. When he smiles, you know that it's from his heart and that he means it. Alan has never seen a smile before, making it even a more loving and a truer gesture. He is my hero and role model. Watching Alan and his family grow has taught me which priorities are important, that it makes a huge difference to be there for my own family and to be less judgmental about appearances.