Life as a Leach

Today, we visited an aquarium that had a large, multi-level climbing structure.  It was way too much for Abby, but we figured she could play at the base and be fine while Caleb explored. That sweet boy stayed with her, encouraging her to try things, helping her when she needed it, and shielding her from rough kids.   We watched happily from outside the structure as they played.  Then we started to notice something:  every time things got a little crazy and Abby started to get nervous, she would run to Caleb.  He would put a protective arm around her and take her to a calmer area.   He was her safe place! It was such a sweet, beautiful exchange to watch.  They adore each other and I made sure Caleb knew how proud I was of the way he watched out for her.  He had time later to explore the higher structures, but he often checked in with Abby to make sure she had fun too.  So sweet!

To the siblings who sometimes feel invisible...I see you. To the ones who have celebrated Christmas and Thanksgiving in the hospital instead of around your dining room table...I see you. To the kids who get shuffled from one family member to the next during hospitalizations...I see you. To the children who trade video games at sleepovers for blown up medical gloves during hospital visits...I see you. To the students whose parents have missed games, performances, concerts, and school presentations...I see you. To the kids who turn speech and physical therapy into fun games…I see you. To those who have blown out birthday candles in hospital playrooms...I see you. To the kids who share their houses with nurses and therapists...I see you. To the students who have been picked up unexpectedly from school, only to find out your sibling has been taken to the hospital again…I see you. To the children who had to grow up too fast and have way too...

Could they possibly be any cuter?!?!

   They love each other.  And they even color-coordinated for the occasion.