10/04/2026
He towers over her. But somehow, she’s the one leading the way. ❤️
The girls really wanted to go to the mall today. Before we went, I told them, “Your brother is coming with us, so if we do this, I’m going to need your willingness to help.”
This is a part of having a sibling with significant special needs that people don’t always see. It means an extra set of eyes on him in a crowd. Noticing when he’s overwhelmed. Redirecting him. Slowing down when he needs it. Literally chasing him at times. And when he’s done, we’re all done.
I saw them all walking ahead of me and had to document it. Look how tiny they are next to him. 😂 Physically, he towers over them. But if you know my middle child, you know there is absolutely nothing tiny about her personality. She’s so strong.
The most amazing part? He listens to her.
She can grab his wrist and guide him through a crowded mall. She isn’t afraid of him. She knows him. She knows when to be gentle and when to be firm. She knows how to get his attention. And he knows her. She’s tiny but he doesn’t mess with her. He listens. He’s getting better at listening to his youngest sister too. See her training video on the last slide. 😆 She can run really fast thankfully.
I sometimes joke that my girls are some of his best therapists. They’ve learned patience, redirection, regulation, advocacy and how to understand someone who can’t always communicate what he needs. Most people spend a lifetime never developing any of these skills.
I never want them to feel like taking care of their brother is their responsibility. They are his sisters first. But they know I can’t do it alone. But the truth is, growing up alongside their brother has shaped them in ways I could never have taught them.
Today they wanted to go to the mall. Having their brother with us could have been the reason we didn’t go. Instead, they simply made him part of the plan. Inclusion isn’t always easy. But in order to dignify their brother, they do it.
Sometimes love looks like hugs and kisses. And sometimes it looks like a little hand wrapped around your big brother’s wrist, saying without a word, “Come on. I’ve got you.” ❤️