The heartwarming moment a teenager with Down syndrome was reunited with his older brother after three months apart has melted hearts online.
Mom-of-three Kimberly DowDell, 47, captured the precious moment when her youngest son Jack excitedly greeted his brother, Blake, at the door when he returned home from college. They’d been apart since Blake went to college in September, until this moment when he finally made his way back home.
DowDell, of Salt Lake City, Utah, told Newsweek that Jack, 14, was counting down the days until he got to see his brother again. When the day finally arrived, he “couldn’t contain his excitement.” As Blake walked into the house, his younger brother greeted him with a big hug which nearly left them tumbling over.
Jack has Down syndrome, a genetic condition whereby a person has an extra chromosome. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that people can still lead healthy lives with supportive care, but the condition can affect how their brain and body develop.
DowDell shared footage of the special moment on TikTok (@kimberly.dowdell) and it has gone viral with over 4.4 million views and 362,800 likes in a matter of days. Social media users were delighted by their unbreakable bond that no amount of time apart could disrupt.
“Jack misses Blake immensely and asks every day when he’s coming home,” DowDell said. “Thankfully, they keep in touch over FaceTime throughout the week, which helps.
“Watching Jack’s pure joy when he saw Blake brought tears to my eyes. Their bond is so genuine and heartwarming—it’s one of those moments you just want to freeze in time,” she said.
After greeting Blake, Jack could be heard lovingly calling him “my person.”
Blake got to spend four days at home before he went back to college, which was plenty of time to get Slurpees together, go to the movies, and play video games together.
DowDell regularly shares videos of Jack on social media to show the wonders of living with Down syndrome and how joyful he is. She hopes to show people that, while Jack might have different needs at times, he can still live a full and purposeful life.
“From the moment Jack was born, his brothers were completely wrapped around his finger,” DowDell said. “They’ll do almost anything to make him smile or laugh because his joy is absolutely contagious.
“I feel so blessed to watch my boys love each other so deeply. Their bond reminds me of the importance of family and how even the simplest moments—like sharing a Slurpee or playing games—can bring so much joy.”
After the video went viral on TikTok, DowDell has been astounded by the outpouring of support and positivity online. Many people highlighted the importance of showing appreciation for loved ones and said how lucky Jack, Blake, and their older brother Luke, are to have each other.
Jack and Blake’s emotional reunion after three months apart certainly left internet users fighting back the tears. Since it went viral, it has amassed more than 7,800 comments at the time of writing.
One TikTok user wrote: “That is the most precious relationship.”
Another person added: “Down Syndrome People are the most genuine people. Their joy is so real. I love this video.”
While another comment reads: “And that, my friends, is pure unconditional love.”
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The post Sweet Moment Teen With Down Syndrome Reunites With Brother: ‘My Person’ appeared first on Newsweek.
