Advocate like a Brother
We are currently in the middle of the COVID 19 pandemic. I have two children. A daughter 10 who has a host of disabilities, and my son 7 who is neurotypical.
A positive surprise to this time not in school and inability to play with peers is that my children have bonded.
They are currently in my son’s room in his bunk bed having a sleepover. He made sure to change out the batteries in a unicorn light she has, and helped her make the bed extra cozy.
The kids haven’t played with friends at school or in the neighborhood for a month now. It’s very hard on them. I actually didn’t know how hard though until one night this week after dinner. Jace my son, had been able to connect with his school buddy via fb messenger. He was giddy. In a random moment he told me,
“Grownups don’t understand how hard this is for kids.”
Tonight we had just returned from a walk and I was watering the flowers and grass. My children were racing their scooters with a neighborhood kid down the road making sure to keep 6 feet apart. It was pretty cute. I think my kids actually know what 6ft means now.
As I said, I was watering the lawn when I heard loudly,
“You know she has a disability right?”
Silence filled the street. I immediately looked up. My son had said that to a neighbor kid who was racing them.
The kid innocently asked, “What does that mean?”
Jace said, “It means there is stuff she can’t do that I can do and I’m her little brother.”
Time for me stood still.
No one spoke. I held my breath.
Then they all returned to riding as though nothing had happened!
To say pride filled my heart is an understatement.
I can say honestly I hate this pandemic. There is so much to hate in life right now I could write an entire blog. However, there is so much good!
My kids have sleep overs with each other and love it! My kids love each other! My kids STAND UP for each other. We are a family and we have made the best of a hard situation. We play games. We ride bikes. We take walks.
However what gives my heart the most pride, is Jace advocating for his sister.
At bedtime tonight I caught him alone and asked if he told someone Ashlynn had a disability. He seemed worried and started explaining before I interrupted and said it wasn’t his fault.
I praised him for defending his sister by speaking the truth, and he gave me the biggest bear hug.
Oh my little buddy. I feel so bad so much added pressure is on him. That being said, I will order my son a shirt that says “Advocate like a brother” because that is exactly what he does.
