Teen with Down syndrome makes emotional journey to reunite with brother

Going off to college is the break-free moment that most young adults long for. While the newfound freedom is an amazing change, it is also a time of transition--which can bring a lot of uncomfortable feelings with the adjustment. It can be overwhelming, scary, and unfamiliar. So when mom Kimberly DowDell (@thekimberlydowdell) received a message from her son Blake that he was feeling anxious and overwhelmed during his second semester at college, she knew exactly what to do. She loaded up the family, including her husband and Blake's brother Jack (who has Down syndrome), and got on the road to go see him. And the brothers had an emotional reunion that was shared on social media.

"Blake is in his second semester of college, and being away from home can be hard. When he told us he was feeling anxious and overwhelmed, we didn’t even think twice—we jumped in the car and drove 286 miles just to be there for him," she wrote in the post's Instagram caption. "To remind him he’s not alone. To give him words of encouragement. To wrap him in a hug that says, we see you, we love you, and we’re always here for you."

Her camera was rolling as Jack hops out of the car after the long trek, and he see his brother Blake. "I see him!" Jack says excitedly, before saying to his brother, "Blake run! Blake, RUN!" As Blake gets closer, Jack starts to spring to him, yelling, "Brother!" When he gets to Blake, he jumps into his arms in a big bear hug. "My brother!" Jack says. Blake catches him in his arms, and says, "Hey! How are you doing?" Jack sontinues to embrace him, and the two soak up the sweetness of the reunion. DowDell added in the caption, "Worth every mile for that hug! 🤗🩵"

In another clip, DowDell gets her chance to give Blake a big hug, too. She gives him another embrace as they all walk back to the car together. Then the family all get in the car and grab some food, and DowDell says, "Everything is right in the world! We're all back together again." She asks, "Who's here, Jack?" And he replies, "My brother!"

To end the post, DowDell shared, "No matter how grown our kids get, they’ll always need their parents in different ways. And sometimes, all it takes is a hug to ease the weight of the world, even just for a moment."

And viewers on Instagram are touched by the sweet gesture and family support for Blake, as well as Jack's love for his brother Blake. "My mama heart is crying. When they need us we go!" one wrote. Another added, "That’s just wonderful. I love the way you all support each other in your family. 😍" Another wrote, "Jack is definitely the best. The way his face lit up seeing Blake is so gorgeous 😍." And another viewer commented, "Omg, that is the sweetest! My heart is smiling!🥰😍."