This is a post about Liam, Aidan’s neuro-typical (NT) brother, my first born, the child that made me a mom.
Here’s what it’s supposed to say:
I’ve always been very conscious that Liam’s life is different; disability effects the entire family. I’ve done my best to give him a full and wonderful life. I signed him up for soccer and baseball and tried to cultivate peer friendships. I make sure we have time together when he can have my undivided attention. We have cafe dates with hot chocolate and croissants and a game of cards. I have no idea if Liam is more tenderhearted or mature because he has a brother with a disability because it’s the only life he’s known. Liam can make Aidan giggle like nobody’s business. It’s clear to anyone that they love each other. I’ve always carefully weighed Liam’s participation in Aidan’s care. When Liam was two years old he operated Aidan’s feeding pump. Now as a teenager he can transfer Aidan from chair to bed and put on his orthotics. I’ll never be sure if these are the right choices or how their relationship will be effected by this caregiver role. I know Liam worries about things his peers know nothing of and should know nothing of, like seizures and side effects and hospitals. I recognize that during his childhood Liam spent an inordinate amount of time with doctors and therapists who did their very best to make that time fun for him. Our time was shaped by Aidan’s needs and I don’t know entirely how that has shaped Liam.
But scratch all that and let me say this instead; this is what I would shout from the rooftop:
Liam is a very cool kid with or without the label NT or “sib”.
He doesn’t particularly like being photographed
Liam asks me several time a day if I want to wrestle. When I ask him, “Why me? Why don’t you wrestle with your Dad?” he replies, “Because I can’t beat Daddy.” It’s true and I have the bruises to prove it.
Liam is quiet and keeps to himself a lot.
He has always been very responsible and helpful too.
Liam will tell you that he doesn’t like swimming and or being at the ocean, but I don’t buy it one bit.
Liam is an avid reader. My best memories of Liam as a toddler are of the two of us snuggled up together reading. Those days have made him both a proficient reader and writer. (Yes, that’s a diaper on his head. Did I mention that he’s silly too?)
I would also shout this from the rooftop: That’s my boy! Liam rocks! Check out that awesome kid! I love Liam!
All of which would prompt Liam to shout “Stranger Danger! Who is that woman on my roof?”
You can check out the article that Liam wrote from the sibling perspective for the Pediatric Nursing Journal here.
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Remember to link up and share your sibling story at Outrageous Fortuneand stayed tuned to for the following stories:
Bringing the Sunshine (thursday)
The Fisch Tank (friday)
Love that Max (Saturday)
The pictures of the two of you grab and hold my attention. There is a brautiful connection in the smiles you both hold. A deep bonding of a mother and son. This piece is a gift to Liam and to us. Thank you for sharing this side of your family which is rich in warmth, caring and unending kindness.
Wow, Liam, that was a wonderful piece you wrote for the Pediatric Nursing Journal. You are very articulate. More than that, you are a wonderful person/brother.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013, Palm Springs, CA
Dear Liam,
You are an articulate and gifted writer. Thank you for the article. It should be required reading 5th Grade through middle school.
You are also one of the luckiest people in the world: Great parents, awesome brother, fun extended family, truly caring community and all the nature one could desire just outside your front door. Lucky. Lucky and smart. You are smarter than most people in their early 20’s!
You make Aidan, through your words, come alive and race off the page.
You, too, have magic powers. Use them.
Thank you again and I encourage you, please, keep on writing. You have THE gift. There are many Young Adult publishing houses/imprints that would buy your personal story in a heartbeat. As in next year…so, It’s time to write the book. Pediatric Nursing Magazine is a wonderful start…next year, The Ellen Show and a booth at American Book Expo (ABE) in Manhattan for your upcoming release!
Dream it. Expect it. Do it. For yourself. For your brother.
Your future literary agent in sunny California, Shivaun,
in the pool awaiting your first draft!
Loved everything about this post. Especially the above comment! Go Liam!!
Wow! You have two boys with special powers. I am printing Liam’s article and reading it to Russell and Ian. Thanks Liam!
Very cool, I’m going to give Liam’s article to my daughter Shelby. She’ll be inspired. You are a very talented young man, Liam! Great pictures, great article, enjoyed it.
Thank-you so much everyone for your kind comments, especially encouragement to Liam. I love that his article is getting shared and could help other kids.
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