Sibling similarity

I have sadly lost two brothers, but thankfully still have two others, one of whom shares my fate in being born with Gaucher disease. I have often heard of the term “sibling rivalry”, but being the baby of the family, I'm glad to say I have no first-hand experience of this. I feel particularly close to my brother with Gaucher, which I'm sure would come as no surprise to you, for we unfortunately have so much in common, understanding each other far more than anyone else could possibly imagine.  I treasure our relationship, feeling close to each other, we are able to honestly discuss the most intimate of issues and without much explanation or lengthy discussion, know exactly what the other is trying to say and is experiencing. There have been many occasions where we both suffer the same bone pains in the same place at the same time; uncanny, unlikely? a little strange, but nonetheless true. I'm sure a doctor would have a hard time explaining this, but our close bond that invisibly ties us together is inexplicable and goes beyond comprehension. Both of us have the “happy gene” that I have spoken of, and although this gene does not really exist, it is the best phrase that I can come up with to explain our strong fighting spirit, dry British sense of humour and a determination to stay cheerful despite our daily fight against chronic disease. If you think having Parkinson’s is bad; try adding Gaucher disease into the equation, and see how you would fare. I wouldn't wish this horrendous combination on anyone.