Parenting a kid with profound special needs is overwhelming. But being a sibling to one is no cakewalk either.
Brantley’s safety and needs dictate every decision our family makes, and it's impossible to overlook the impact that has on Bronson. Frankly, it's something that weighs heavily on me. Because, while we try our best to provide Bronson with everything that a little boy like him deserves, I know that he misses out on a lot of experiences due to our family prioritizing Brantley’s safety and needs.
But, today as I watched Bronson climb up on Brantley's bus to express his love, tell him he is the best brother in the world and wish him luck with his toilet training, I couldn't help but reflect on the numerous qualities their relationship has instilled in Bronson.
Kindness.
Compassion.
Resilience.
Empathy.
Love.
Having Brantley as his brother has most definitely caused him anxiety at times, but it has also cultivated qualities in Bronson that truly make the world a better place. Qualities that couldn’t be found from the experiences he has missed out on.
Despite the difficulties that Bronson faced in his role as a sibling, the strong bond between him and Brantley reassures me thag he has nurturing qualities in both boys that will make a lasting difference in the world.
Despite the difficulties of parenting a child with profound special needs, observing the strong bond between Brantley and Bronson reassures me that our family is nurturing qualities in both boys that will make a lasting difference in the world.
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