Carlos didn't have a date for his senior prom, so Brianna asked if she could go with him to the event.
The ability to rely on your brother or sister whenever times are tough is the greatest blessing in life. Sibling relationships are unique because we get to share our joys and sorrows with them. However, perhaps what's most unique about this dynamic is that we also share our childhood—the most memorable time in everyone's life—with our siblings and they watch us stumble and grow as we figure out life.
There was no easy beginning to life for Carlos Colon or his sister Brianna. Carlos, who is autistic and blind, spent the first five months of his life in a hospital after suffering a brain bleed. Nineteen years later, Brianna—who had just completed her first year at Bryant College at the time—stepped up to make sure her brother had a memorable high school experience by offering to be his date to his senior prom since he didn't have a partner for the 2021 event, reported Boston25News.
“He had the time of his life!”
— Chris Flanagan (@ChrisFlanaganTV) June 22, 2021
A Haverhill woman brings her 19 yr old twin brother, who has special needs, to his hs senior prom.
See their inspirational story today at 4 @boston25 #PositivelyMassachusetts pic.twitter.com/TIIfqpsbaf
Brianna has always shown her brother a lot of support, and on the night of his prom, she did it once again. Fearing that Carlos might miss a significant night in his life due to not having a date, Brianna—whose prom was canceled because of the pandemic in 2020 — offered to be his plus one to the event.
"I'm lucky to have experienced it this time with him and somebody that I love very much," she said. Carlos was obviously over the moon about getting to share the experience with his sister and had the time of his life. Their mother, Jomay Colon, shared in the twins' happiness and treasured the occasion, especially considering how difficult their road had been. She said: "They were born at 24 weeks, only a pound and a half. Of course, they were very sick when they were born, so basically ounces."
Colon revealed that her children are tremendously fortunate to be alive today since their birth was far from uncomplicated. Carlos' retinas separated from the high fibrillation oxygen soon after birth, causing him to go blind. He also suffered from a brain bleed and spent five months in the hospital. Yet, despite their rough initial days of life, the twins not only made it through but also flourished in whatever they set their minds to.
Carlos graduated from Haverhill High School last year but planned to stay enrolled in the Life Skills Program at the school until he turns 22. He hopes to eventually attend the Perkins School for the Blind.
"Just because he's blind and autistic doesn't mean he can't have fun. I'm glad he got to experience it and he danced a lot, so I'm really glad he went and all that," his sister said. Brianna's generosity and care for her twin brother moved many internet users. Several people praised her acts and remarked on how lovely their sibling relationship was.
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Cover Image Source: Facebook/Jomary Carlos Colon
