Happy National Sibling Day

National Sibling Day is today!  

Celebrating this day is important for many reasons, but it takes on a special meaning for me to celebrate this day as a parent at one time raising three small children — one, a terminally-ill special needs child — Madison.

The relationships between children and their special needs sibling are very special, but can also be very different between each child. My son and daughter had a completely different relationship with their sister Madison, one of great nurturing, and one of great guardedness. 

Although the relationships varied greatly, had we celebrated a day for them during a period so focused on their sister, it would have given them the opportunity to celebrate their role in Madison’s life when so much of our daily routine was focused on the care of Madison — it was very hard for our two small children to find their place in such a difficult situation.

Aside from hanging out in the backyard, there were not many opportunities for our three children to experience things together — typical childhood things. 

It would have have been wonderful to have had a play space — like Madison’s Place — where our three kids could have interacted in a play environment together. 

I truly believe it would have made such a huge impact on all my children, but especially for my 5 year old son at the time to see his little sister enjoying time on the playground like they did.  8 years later my son still struggles with the memories that his little sister could not play alongside them and has sadness and guilt that he didn’t get to spend enough time playing with her.

Childhood play is such an important aspect of a child’s development, but equally important — maybe more important — is the relationships that can nourish and flourish between siblings and most importantly children that have a special needs sibling.

As our foundation continues to raise money to begin construction on Madison’s Place next spring, I watch for opportunities to celebrate — take a moment today with your kids to celebrate their siblings — or celebrate being a sibling yourself.

Happy Siblings Day!