Growing up, we are always asking: “Why?” Whether we are asking our parents, “Why can’t I have ice cream before dinner?”, or asking our teachers, “Why is the sky blue?”, we spend our childhoods always looking for the answer to our why.

Then we grow up. We get most of our whys answered and learn that sometimes there is not an answer at all.

Five years ago, I told my parents that I was quitting my job, changing my major to criminal justice and going to the police academy to become a police officer. Understandably, they looked at me and asked, “Why?”

In full transparency, I didn’t have a good answer at the time. I had always dreamed about being a police officer, one as strong and courageous as my uncle. His character, dedication to his career and commitment to his family inspired me even from states away.

Besides him, the only interactions I had with the police were at the Special Olympics. My family would go every year in May to support my older brother, Peter.

I could go on for days about Peter, but to sum him up: he’s everything good in the world, and he has Down Syndrome. Peter participated in many different events at the Special Olympics, and I would be cheering him on from the sidelines for all of them.

After the events, the athletes would go to the podium and receive their medals. It was always law enforcement who performed the medal ceremony. Hundreds of officers from agencies across Michigan would be there. I remember admiring their uniforms and thinking how cool they were. I remember feeling important when they would say hi, or give my brother a high five.

It was all overwhelming – the pride I felt for my brother, the sheer number of athletes and spectators, the support from law enforcement, and the community of everyone present.

And I was there because of my brother.

In a world full of whys, there was one thing I never had to question: Peter. From as far back as I can remember, I knew Peter was mine. To care for, to listen to, to believe in. Most importantly, I never questioned that my sole purpose was to protect him.

I don’t think he realizes it but Peter taught me a lot about life. He taught me not only to accept people for who they are, but to do so with love and without conditions. He taught me empathy, understanding and forgiveness. That discernment is crucial, but prejudice is needless. He taught me to help people simply because they are in need. He taught me to do the right thing. To speak up when something is wrong and speak even louder for those who cannot. That sometimes, just showing up is the most important thing in the world. He taught me that the impact you have on the world is how you make people feel. Just by being him, he showed me proof that God exists.

Having Peter as my brother and teacher is a blessing. It’s also a responsibility. Who I am today is because of everything Peter taught me. I became a police officer because I can live out the values that have been instilled in me. I can put on a uniform, the same uniform I admired so much as a child, and display what Peter taught me.

If I can show one person proof of God’s love and faithfulness, then I know my “why” is answered. And I am only able to do that because of my brother, Peter.