One of my most heart-wrenching and simultaneously heartwarming moments as a mother was when I realized why Laini stood on the foot rest of Teo’s stroller.

Man, she loved her brother.

Emily Chang | The Spare Room | Laini and Teo

Because Teo was born with hydrocephalus and didn’t look like an ordinary boy, the public reaction to him was understandably out of the ordinary. But at times, I think it could have been a bit more compassionate. In this #taxichat, we each share a memory of bringing Teo out with us. And Laini shares why she stood on the foot rest of his stroller every time we went out.

Not every memory is a lovely one, but even the tough ones shape who we become. And in Laini’s case, living with and loving her specially-abled brother has cultivated a deep passion for justice. I’m so grateful for that.

I’m also grateful for all Teo taught us, with his endless ability to forgive. With his deep-seated joy, and that delightful giggle which bubbled forth whenever he laid eyes on us. I’ll be eternally in awe of the special relationship these two share.

Emily Chang | The Spare Room | Teo stands with Laini

As mentioned in the video, I wrote about this in the book. Flip to Chapter Four.

#thespareroombook #myspareroom #sociallegacy #siblings