During my first stint in rehab, I encountered a neuropsychologist who had a peculiar habit. Every time I mentioned my brothers, he’d cut me off, interjecting with a curt “half!” It took me a moment to realize he was fixated on the fact that my brothers were technically half-siblings.

His interruptions were jarring, disrupting the flow of my thoughts and the narrative I was trying to convey. I felt diminished, as if the bonds I shared with my brothers were being trivialized by a mere technicality. It was a stark reminder of how clinical settings can sometimes overlook the emotional realities of familial relationships.

Reflecting on this experience, I recognize the importance of acknowledging and valuing personal connections beyond biological definitions. The love and support I receive from my brothers are not halved by genetics; they are whole and unwavering.

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