From the article: 20 Things Siblings Would Like Parents and Service Providers to Know
Do you know a brother or sister of a child with special needs who deserves a tribute? Let everyone know what an inspiration she is by telling what's great about her here. Speak up for special siblings! Share Your Story
An Awesome Athlete
- My son Jeremiah turned 11 yesterday. Jeremiah was born missing his corpus callosum which encompasses multiple disabilities. Our oldest child is 14 and entering into high school as a star athlete. During July's varsity football camp our son walked up to the head coach of the state championship team and asked if he "the rookie" could have #11 as his number in honor of his special needs brother who is now 11. That coach didn't answer but yesterday my son received that number on a team of over 100. When I picked him up from a 6 hr practice the first thing he told me with a smile was "Mom I got the number"... Priceless mommy moment!
- —Allife
Olivia is the Best!
- My 10 year old will say that Olivia is her "best sister" and from what I see the feeling is mutual. I look around and see other 16 year olds shooing away their 10 year old siblings as a nuisance. But not Olivia. She will more than often ask Isannah to play a game, go to the barn to groom her horse or even take her sister to the custard shop to spend the gift certificate she got from the Library reading club. At a time in life when teens declare "I need my space!" Olivia is more than content to share a room with her little sis, "go to bed" at the same time (only to stay up listening to music or reading-just so her sister will feel safe), give up a Saturday morning (sometimes at 8am) to volunteer at the Challenger Baseball League and not complain when has to give a up something for her sister. I know I will never be able to tell this wonderful girl what an amazing example she is to me and anyone who knows her. I pray that she will reap all the blessings she has sown in her sister's life
- —Guest momee5
Siblings have broad shoulders!
- Vinny (11) & Dom Forte (9) have been so accommodating to their younger brother Tony (7), what more can they do! Tony was born with a debilitating intestinal disease. Since his birth there have been lengthy admissions that have left Vinny & Dom to the point of no sleepovers, no school (we now cyber school), no sports or planning ahead of family trips. Yet Vinny & Dom will smile and do what they have to to benefit Tony's quality of health that they have created a website for fundraising on behalf of Tony. Tony is awaiting a lifesaving transplant of stomach, full intestinal and will receive a liver transplant at the time of surgery. Because of the stresses and financial concerns with having a child that is critically ill, Vinny saved our home with a letter he secretly penned to charities who might help. He was named a Hero thru Kids Are Heroes, and became the Kohl's Cares for Kids Scholarship winner. Yet when asked the only accolade they hope is for Tony's transplant. To learn more www.aftft.com
- —Guest Monica Forte
Triumphs in the Trials!
- My 15 year old, Lexi, has pushed through the challenges of resentment and fear in being the sibling of 2 kids with special needs. Not only does she volunteer as a counselor at a local special needs day camp, but she also stands up to & educates any friends who would dare to throw the "R" word around. God is growing this child into a woman who will make a difference in the world regarding acceptance of those with unique abilities!
- —Guest Barb Dittrich
Awesome Big Sister
- My 15 yo makes sure her brother gets doses of the most popular book series-es. She patiently and often times insistently, gets him to sit with her and listen to the books. She looks out for him in many ways of the world and she loves him.
- —WendyK40
