Patrick's story.

The following dialogue is an interview in which I asked my 16 year old autistic brother, Patrick, to explore his identity. 

Alright, Patrick, I'm going to ask you a few questions about yourself. Are you ready?

Yes I am. I'm tired, so this had better be quick.

Sure thing, bud. First things first: Who are you?

I'm Patrick. 

Okay, great. Can you elaborate on that?

I'm just Patrick.

Right... Well, how do you describe yourself?

You heard me, Em, I am Patrick. I'm weird, silly, and sometimes even stupid. I'm a one-of-a-kind. It's kinda hard to describe what I'm like because I'm a unique creature all on my own and nothing is like me. 


     Having lived with this boy for all of his 16 years, I can affirm his testimony. Patrick is, indeed, unlike any other. He is his own species, his own kind.

     This did not occur to me before I began his interview.

How do you think this way that you think about yourself affects how you live your life?

Well, Em, I live my life however the hell I wish. Does that answer your question?

My story.

This one's all about the author, folks!

Who are you?

"I'm Emily. I'm a student, an intellectual. I'm still learning."

 At least, I like to think so. There are few other words that accurately and fully define me. I could say that I'm a musician, but really that's only sometimes. I could say I'm a lover of people and of life... but, again, that's only some days. Today, tomorrow, and forever, I will be a learner.

This is an unfortunate case, however, because so is every other person who exists.

How does this affect how you live out your life?

"Well, I'm conscious of the fact that I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. It means that I've still got time and room to grow."

Do you think you have a better understanding of your identity now?

"I like feeling comfortable about myself. Especially since there are few defining aspects about me; there are so many vague details that do not make me unique. This reflection is comforting in that I am just fine the way that I am."

Lynne's story.

Who are you?

"I'm a miserable old woman suffering from terminal illness."

Lynne is a 42 year old mother of four children. She suffers from a debilitating disease- Multiple Sclerosis. For those too lazy to Google... MS attacks Lynne's muscles, and it has drastically limited her mobility. Her nerves are shot, meaning that she can't sew or cook like she used to. 

All of this has caused Lynne severe emotional issues, including depression.

How does this affect how you live out your life?

"I hate that this is all I am. 5 years ago I was a seamstress, a mother, a wife. Today I am MS."

As if her case weren't unfortunate enough, Lynne's financial situation is also suffering. MS has put her out of work, leaving her husband to work long hours to provide for his family. Luckily, Social Security has recently gone through, so she will soon be receiving monthly checks that will help sustain her household. 

What I love about Lynne is her persistent positivity. Despite the circumstances, she had a smile on her face, and she insisted that I not feel bad for her. After all, she claims she is "a cranky old broad."

Do you think you have a better understanding of your identity now?

"I want you to tell your readers to live their lives while they still can. And to always, always have faith in themselves, even when they're feeling anxious."

Keeping the faith is sometimes the hardest thing we can do in our darkest times. But Lynne and you, reader, have something in common. You are both worth it. 

Hey, you heard the lady.