18 years after giving birth to twins, a mom was moved to tears by one son's heartfelt request for his brother

Siblings are often close-knit from a young age and form a tight bond over the years. For twins, the case is even more applicable, given their strong connection in the mother's womb and their similarities. Austin and Ty Coppola, a pair of twins, had a deep emotional connection. However, much of their school life was spent away from each other, per The Huffington Post. Ty had Down syndrome and was sent to a different school, while Austin completed his education at Fairport High School in Fairport, New York. Despite the distance, everything else kept them connected stronger than ever and when they were 17, Austin made a heart-melting request for his twin that has us in awe. 

“He’s been with me through every memorable moment I can think of," Austin pointed out, per WHAM-TV associate Stephen Adams. When it was time for yet another milestone in Austin’s life, he didn’t want to leave his brother out. Shortly before his graduation, he decided to have Ty by his side when he walked up the stage to collect his degree. He refused to go on without his twin, who was his pillar. Their mother, Cheryl, recalled the poignant moment with her son and was moved to hear his unusual yet heart-melting request. “Mom had come up to me and told me that she had ordered my cap and gown and I kind of said to her, ‘Well, what about Ty’s?’” Austin recalled.

“I mean he's making our dreams come true,” the mom remarked. Apart from having been together by birth, Austin had another reason why he believed Ty deserved every bit of the recognition and appreciation. He mentioned that his brother had “endured more challenges,” per WHAM-TV. “Yeah, I've earned it, I worked hard for my degree, but he's worked hard in a different way,” Austin said. So it was decided and the boys together flaunted their blue gowns and caps while they walked up the stage amid the students and faculty of Fairport High. A glimpse of the moment was shared on X by Patrice Walsh (@PatriceWalsh13), where the duo are seen proudly standing on stage. The twins also received a standing ovation out of respect and support from all present.

Austin (@acoppola8) shared a post on X saying, “That standing ovation for Ty brought me to tears. The FHS class '14 will always hold a place in my heart. I hope to see all of you again!” The brothers have great plans with college and although not the same institute, they’re going to be just minutes away from each other. Austin can’t wait to hang out with his brother as they embark upon this new venture together. He has one thing fixed—he is never going to let any condition or situation cause a drift or distance in his bond with his beloved twin. "This is probably going to be one of the most memorable moments of my life and it means so much to me that [Ty] can share it with me. I'm definitely a much better person with him in my life. There's no way I would be the same without him. Not at all,” he confidently said.