Happy Special Siblings Day!

Tonight I have been thinking about a very special group of people that may often feel they are in the margins.  I am thinking about the siblings of children with special needs.  They often have their own set of struggles.  They may wonder why their brother or sister has a disability.  They may feel disappointed and as though their world was blown apart.  They may feel left in the margins as their parents are busy with doctor's appointments, therapy sessions, and education.  Just as the marriage may feel a strain, they may feel the strain on the family and struggle with a sense of control and loss.

As I shared with a momma tonight, they will also be amazing people.  I have been incredibly impressed with all of the siblings of the many children with special needs that have been in our lives. They are very compassionate and merciful people.  They are flexible and can handle the unexpected emergency.  They know how to love a person and look past their disabilities.  They know how to love, forgive, and support another person through the hard times.  They have an inner strength that so many of the rest of us do not.

If you have a child with a special needs I want to encourage you to take some time to thank your other children.  Thank them for all of the support they have given and for all of the sacrifices they have made.  Hallmark creates a lot of holidays.  Consider creating a special day when you spoil the siblings and thank them for the sacrifices they have made over the years.