When I was little, my mom explained to me that God never gives you something He knows you can't handle. My older sister, Gabi, is my gift from God, and I have grown up learning how to handle different situations that not all children have had to experience. Living with a sister with special needs has been a challenge, but the most rewarding challenge of my life, because she has taught me so much.
1. Appreciate the little things in life.
As I grow older, I am realizing all the great opportunities I will have and have already experienced in my life. When I look at my sister, I understand that she will never be able to enjoy all the great experiences in life that a normal person would have. Every day I am thankful that I am able to experience so much in life because I know if she had the chance, she would want to also.
2. Miracles are possible.
When Gabi was born, the doctors told my parents she would likely never walk or talk. My parents were determined to change those odds. They did physical therapy, speech therapy, and other interventions to help strengthen her abilities. Today Gabi is able to walk, talk, run, and even sing. She is also a proud member of the Calvert County Starz Special Olympic Cheerleading Team!
3. A smile is the best makeup.
I don't think I know anyone who has such a contagious smile! Every time I look at Gabi, I can't help but just be happy. She has taught me that beauty is not about how long your eyelashes are or how bright your lipstick is; it is about how kind your heart is and how you treat others.
4. Sometimes little sisters can play BIG roles.
Although Gabi is 5 years older than me, I often play the role of the older sister. I love taking Gabi shopping, styling her curly hair, picking out clothes to make her look fashionable, painting her nails, and taking her out to lunch. She is my best friend, and I feel it is my responsibility to look after her and make sure I help her with anything she needs.
5. It's ok to cry.
Having a sister with special needs is not always easy. There have been so many times in my life when I have come home crying because I realize that my sister and I will never be able to do the normal things that my friends and their sisters get to do. It has made me question why? Why her? Why me? Why my family? But then I remembered that God gave us her because He knew we could handle the challenge. He is making us stronger, teaching us lessons, and physically showing us how beautiful the gift of life is.
6. Not everyone will understand, but cherish the ones who do.
Growing up, I learned that not all people in the world would be understanding of my sister. The stares and disgusted looks my sister receives almost every time we go to the mall, out to eat, or even at the airport make me very upset. I understand that some people have never interacted with a person with special needs, but my sister is more than her disability. She is a beautiful, kindhearted girl who loves to share her love for life with others. My family has been truly blessed to have so many amazing friends, family, and neighbors who love and appreciate my sister for who she is inside and out.
7. It's ok to color outside of the lines.
Not everything in life is going to work out the way you plan. And that is perfectly fine! Just because you color outside the lines, doesn’t mean you can’t make a beautiful picture or have a beautiful life.
8. Life is beautiful.
I love watching Gabi walk outside to get the mail. From the front door to the mailbox, she stops multiple times to watch a butterfly flutter by or to look at a cloud that is shaped like a horse. Sometimes I wish I had that much wonderment and curiosity. She truly appreciates every aspect of the world around her and teaches me every day how precious and beautiful life is.
Growing up with a sister with special needs has not only given me great responsibility, but it has also taught me so much about life. Some days, I wonder how our relationship would be if my sister didn’t have a disability, but I feel like her special needs have made our bond stronger. I would never want to change a thing, because I think Gabi is perfect just the way she is. I am so thankful that God put her here on this earth and in my life to share her joy and love with me, and everyone she meets.
