An open letter to siblings. Always be there for each other.
Jace, not only have you had an EXCELLENT and continued start to the school year, I am so proud of you for your behavior at this year’s apraxia walk. I know it’s not easy to see Ashlynn get a medal for apraxia, and you don’t understand why. Not yet anyway. Either way though, you stick by her side, held the sign during the walk, and supported her the best way you could.
You asked me why you didn’t have apraxia, as though it was something to want to have. Though this makes me happy for Ashlynn’s sake, it also makes me sad. One day, when you understand what apraxia is, you will also understand it is not something to envy, and because of it, this may be the only award she earns during her school career.
I see you in karate. We put you in this so you had something to be proud of that was just your own! It worked. Your motor skills are developing at lightening pace speed. As your mom, it’s remarkable to witness. Both your grandfathers on each side were very athletic. They had great “natural ability” as my dad describes it. You have that too. I see it. I want you to remember Ashlynn cheers you on at your karate classes. She is your loudest supporter when you earn a new belt, and I want Ashlynn to remember how you were there for her too at her apraxia walk; cheering her on and holding her sign when she got tired.
My dad, your grandfather, is a BIG believer in family. He’s like this because his youngest brother, my godfather, died at 27. I don’t think he’s ever forgiven himself for it, even though it was not his fault. He always told me though, had his brother called family…aka him…aka your grandpa….he wouldn’t have been dead. He wanted to make sure the same for me and my siblings, and I want to make sure the same is true for you and Ashlynn. Regardless of your fights or squabbles, at the end of the day, family MUST always be there for each other. That is the blessing of a family. That is the gift of a family. Family is love, and as Corinthians reminds us:
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always hopes, ALWAYS perseveres.
Whatever the challenge, a parent’s greatest wish is that her children, whom she loves equally, will be there for each other as well. In my absence or presence, I always want you two to “have each other’s back.” The world can be cruel. It can be lonely….but one thing you should always be able to count on is your family.
This year, even cousins came. 1st cousins and 4th cousins!! My heart literally swelled. To have that kind of support is a blessing, but it’s also taught. I was taught to be there for family, and I wish to instill the same value in you.
4th Cousins!!
First cousin Kayla!
3rd and 4th cousins!
I’m proud to be part of this family. I’m proud of both of you! Don’t ever take for granted or squander the blessing of your family. You will both drive each other crazy at times and you will hurt each other at times, but always remember, love is not easily angered and it keeps no record of wrongs. Please always love each other like you do now. That is my greatest wish.
I love you both so much.
Love,
Mommy
Love,
Mommy