Day #329 – Can you? Will you?

I’ve spent a few posts writing about my personal struggles with Tucker’s sister, Estelle.  I don’t struggle with her…I simply struggle because I just can’t do as much for her as I want.  She is a most amazing little creature and I do my best…but I know the truth.

I know she feels slighted.
I know she feels life is a bit unfair.

Can you?
Will you?

Can you do something for a neurotypical sibling?
Will you do something for a neurotypical sibling?

On Sunday my mom came to get Estelle for Grandma Camp.  Now, I’m not sure what Grandma Camp entails – but I’m pretty sure it’s plenty of spoiling and lots of attention.  Just what she deserves…no, it’s not what she needs.  It’s what she deserves.

She deserves that and so much more.  She understands Tucker – she is patient – she is wise beyond her years. Yeah, yeah…this will serve her well in the long-run of life, but you know what?   How many us understood this ‘long-run’ of life at age 11?

I could write about all of the personal benefits she receives rom having Tucker as her sibling.  Having Tucker as a brother has taught her to be patient, to negotiate, to communicate, to express feelings, to be compassionate, to advocate, to recognize differences, to not judge…

But let’s be real.  She’s still just 11.

Can you?
Will you?

You know, this isn’t just about children with an autism spectrum disorder.  This is about all families who have a little extra something.  Maybe that extra something is diabetes, maybe that extra something is childhood cancer, maybe that extra something is Cerebral Palsy, maybe that extra something is ADD/ADHD, maybe that extra something is Down Syndrome, maybe that extra something is a Cleft Palate.  The real question is…

Can you?
Will you?

Of course you can. You can make a difference in a child’s life.  It’s easy.  These siblings?  All they need is a little personal attention, a little one-on-one time, moments where they are the center of attention, time without any distraction.  They don’t need gifts or money – they don’t need theme parks or shopping trips.  They simply need someone to make them #1.

Of course you can.  The real question is will you?

Will you take this sibling and make them the center for a moment, a day, a night, a weekend?  Will you change their life by making a moment about them?

Take them to a movie.
Take them out to eat.
Take them for a cone.
Take them to a park.

Talk to them – make them feel like they are the most important person in the world.
Play a game with them – make them feel like they are the most important person in the world.
Take them fishing – make them feel like they are the most important person in the world.

Can you?  Yes.

Will you?  It’s up to you.

Be a part of a village.