Thursday, August 6, 2009

Siblings...and dealing with it all



This is Wysdom's big sister Blyss. Today Blyss and I had a good day together. We went to the park to visit some animals in a petting area, then off to a splash pad, followed by swimming lessons. It has been a really tough adjustment for her with Wysdom's arrival. Not so much that she didn't want a brother or anything like that. It is just that as a family we have gone through a lot. She has had to be put on the back burner at times, when Wysdom's medical issues take precedent. We have also had to limit visitors into our home to prevent Wysdom from getting sick. We have been home more often than we previously were. So it has been a difficult year for her in some respects. So today was really a spur of the moment "mommy and Blyss day"



Blyss really loves her brother and is very protective of him. He loves her too. You can just watch the intensity in his gaze as he watches her move around him. He looks like he just can't wait to grab hold of her and squeeze her. We are truly blessed to have Wysdom and also to have such a wonderful big sister. Through all of this medical stuff...we are sure that she is going to be a doctor. She checks his heart with the stethoscope, says "let's give him the domperidone"(his reflux meds) and constantly warns others about his ng tube. Julian and I have tried to shield her from most of the hospital stuff as much as possible....but she hears things and picks it up. She loves the Ronald McDonald House where we have stayed twice for each of Wysdom's hospital visits. What I do know is that she will love and protect Wysdom like no other! He is lucky to have her and she is lucky to have him. Ah the love of a Sibling!!



I would be curious to see how other siblings handle life with medical issues and mega appointments ? Are there any special things that you do for them?


6 comments:

Unknown said...

Happy to hear you were able to get out and enjoy some mommy daughter time.

Tausha said...

That has been a struggle of mine as well as we have two teenagers at home as well and they are my Step Children that we raise full time. It's hard not to focus all my time and energies on Sam as he is my only child and make time for them. Luckily Sam has been pretty healthy but we do still have the Doctor visits and all the Early Intervention that comes into our home. I let them go play with their friends alot which at their age is what they want to do. I dont' know, I would love to read other posts for suggestions.

Carrie said...

I'm with you on this--my two little boys are such good big brothers, but with all of Anna's health issues, heart surgery, etc (plus we just moved across the country) they haven't been getting the attention they are used to. I try to make things as fun as possible when I have to take them to Anna's appointments...I let them pick a toy to bring, or we get ice cream afterwards, or when the OT comes to our house they get to watch a movie (I don't usually let them watch very much TV) etc. Or, I just try to schedule things when they are busy at school or at a playdate or something like that. Sibling issues are so hard, whether one child has special needs or not, so this issue is a tricky one!

Beverly said...

how wonderful for you to have a day together. Sounds like a great day!

Brandie said...

I bet Blyss love spending the day with you! I find myself struggling with the sibling thing sometimes. Having a sister with DS has changed their lives and there is no getting around that. I wish it was all good, but some days I'm not so sure. Sometimes I can get a grandparent to watch them so they don't have to go to appointments. Other times they stay home with their Dad and I take Goldie by myself. Like today for her bloodwork. When they do go I make sure we have snacks, drinks, puzzle books, and the Leapster or DVD player. Sometimes they amaze me with their patience and understanding. I give them lots of praise when that happens! Goldie's therapists have always been great about including them, but sometimes I'll let them play on the computer or watch a movie during that time.

Beth said...

Blyss is a firecracker! She is resiliant and so loving - it wouldn't suprise me in the least if she grows up to be a professional that helps people like a doctor or a social worker. I am so glad that you got to spend some quality time with her. Mother-daughter dates are so important!