Walker Myrick, five years old, was pictured leaning on the tombstone of his identical twin brother. His mom, Brook Myrick, took the photo in 2012. Walker was talking about his first day of kindergarten when the photo was taken, according to Daily Mail.
Walker never had the opportunity to meet his brother Willis. Willis died while their mom was still carrying both of them in her womb. He died due to a rare condition.
According to Brooke, the touching moment happened when she took the boy to visit Willis’ grave site. She told Daily Mail that Walker went straight ahead to his brother’s resting place.
Brooke said, “He told us he just wanted to tell Willis about school. It is special for me and that photo meant so much to me. When we lost him I just always wanted Walker to never forget Willis.”
Willis only lasted for 24 weeks during Brooke’s pregnancy. He wasn’t able to get proper nutrients to keep him alive due to the fact that he and Walker shared a placenta. The condition is called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome.
Walker, who’s now nine years old, would still ask his mother to drive him to Willis’ stone. Walker would talk to him and sometimes leaves presents.
Brooke said, “I do think they share a special bond. They were identical twins so I think it will always be there.”
She continued, “I think he feels a sense of peace at the grave site. Even though years have passed, he has told us he believes his brother is always with him. He does speak of him often and shares his brother with his friends.”
Brooke and her husband, Michael, found out that they’re having twins in October 2006. Since her family has a history of bearing two babies at once, she wasn’t surprised at all that she was about to have one, too.
Brooke told the Daily Mail, “They were my first born and it was heartbreaking thinking that we were bringing home twins. They were born at 11.22pm on March 6 and it was the most bittersweet moment. It was so hard. I wasn't ready to see Willis yet, I wanted to wait until the drugs had worn off.”
She continued, “'I saw him two days later. My mind was finally prepared at that time. I held him and kissed him and sang to him. Walker was two pounds fifteen ounces and he went straight to the NICU.”
TTTS happens when one of the baby receives more blood flow while the other one was deficient. The Myricks, who live in Alabama, hold a fundraiser to raise awareness of TTTS every March 6 called the Walker and Willis Birthday Walk.
