Many of us have siblings, of all different ages. Having a sibling usually means they may drive you crazy, but at the end of the day, it's still your brother or sister, and you love them to death. I, indeed, have a sibling like that. Although, my situation with my little sister is a bit different than most people's. I've got a little sister named Jazmyn who is 18, yet her mind, attitude, and personality is equivalent to a two or three-year-old. When I was a little girl, I didn't understand why my sister wouldn't play with me or talk to me. I would get so frustrated because I wanted to have a little sister who would play legos, Pokemon, and dolls with me, but Jazmyn wouldn't give me the time of day. All she ever did was sit in front of the TV watching Sesame Street, and sometimes would randomly get very upset and throw tantrums out of nowhere. I would ask my family why Jazmyn ignored me and why she act like the other children. They told me she had this thing called autism, which is a mental condition, present from early childhood which includes difficulty in communicating and forming relationships with other people, and in using language and abstract concepts. I didn't understand why or how any of this happened, and neither does anybody else, but I can definitely say that having a special needs sibling is an extraordinary adventure.
One thing I learned quickly, is that she requires constant supervision. You turn your head for a minute, and she would be getting into something and making a mess. Especially if you were in the grocery store, you had to watch her at all times because if you didn't, she'd be putting random things in the buggy or throwing eggs.
Going out in public with my sister usually meant she would get strange looks, and sometimes even rude comments from people. I learned to ignore them because those people are usually just confused anyways. There have been times, though, where I had to step up and take up for my sister. She can't help that she isn't like normal people, and people should respect her and understand she is like a small child and doesn't mean any harm.
It makes me sad sometimes because whenever I'd go out with friends or a boyfriend, I could tell Jazmyn wishes she could do that too. So sometimes, I've let my sister tag along with us. My friends all enjoy her company and she enjoys theirs, as well. Even though there are some things she won't ever get to do, like drive, live alone, or go to college, I still want her to enjoy things that she can. I also love to take her out to the park to feed the ducks and have a picnic, or to the arcade or skating rink. She always has a great time and it makes my heart happy to see my sister enjoy life.
There's a lot of times where I get a little sad and wish my sister didn't have those problems and think what would life be like if she wasn't that way. But, I know there's nothing anybody can really do for that, and even though her mind may not be like everyone else, it doesn't mean she is dumb. She is very talented in math and art. She is also very good with calendars and can tell you what day of the week any date is on. She can draw wonderfully, even on the paint program on the computer. I also have learned to have a lot of patience with dealing with my little sister. I absolutely love children with special needs, and I love to volunteer with Special Olympics or churches that watch them for a parent's night out. I think special needs kids are very unique and beautiful in their own ways. Having Jazmyn as a sister has opened my heart to special needs. I am very thankful to call myself her big sister.
