Hilra Vinha University of Southampton

The day he was born, he cried more than a new born usually does. My mum knew from then that something was not quite right He was nearly two when learned to sit without help He was already three and could not walk at all yet

There was a folk culture-based belief that he could not walk because he had a curse and needed a sort of spiritual ‘doctor’ The last attempt was an alleged miraculous medicine, also with superstitious elements One day, a ball game woke up his desire to walk, and he did a big effort and that was just the beginning.

After seven years of exploratory homemade experiences, we finally got a place for him in a special school I was always welcome to join in the activities in the special school I even enjoyed “illegal” wheeled racing games with other “special” children

All my friends knew how to play with him, and they loved it as much as h e did. But...sometimes he loved it too much and did not want to go back home He probably thought that a carry was much more fun...for him at least.

We were growing up fast and the difference between us became more evident, as he could not join in our conversations. But he enjoyed being there and always found something to laugh about. Sometimes the old “problem” would happen... And a new “solution” became necessary. New but still a good reason to laugh....for him of course.

This is part of the story of how I became the person I am and how I kept carrying my brother everywhere with me...even here today.

Thank you for letting me share ‘our exceptional experience of difference’ with you.