Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Little Brother Helps

When my son, Liam, arrived three years after Whitney, Melanie and I were worried about what kind of brother he would be to our special little girl. We've tried to teach him to be kind and patient with his big sister. And while Liam spends plenty of time filling his pesky little brother role, I think our efforts are beginning to pay off.

Recently, when Melanie was finishing getting dinner ready, I called the kids to the table. Since Liam can walk and run, he arrived first. He ran to his chair. Pulled it out and started to climb in. Then he thought for a minute, walked around to Whitney's chair and pulled it out for her. Then he walked over to Whitney, who was making her way to the table on her hands and knees, and tried to pick her up and help her to her chair.

I was touched. And while some of Liam's helpfulness may have been motivated by his eagerness to eat, I was pleased he would think of his big sister's needs and try to help her with some of the things he knows she can't do for herself.

11 comments:

Kajsa Farnsworth said...

This is so touching. You and Melanie are doing an amazing job with both of your kids. I'm sure this is harder than it looks given their different needs and abilities. Whitney and Liam are both such sweethearts!
p.s. I hope the flue season is over quickly and that Whitney is feeling well.

Janae said...

What a little sweetheart!!! Sorry we have had to cancel on you guys two times!!! We'll find a time to come visit.

Anderson Family said...

Liam is so dang sweet! I love that story!

Nate said...

Kajsa, thanks! We're actually feeling pretty good at our house right now. Knock on wood! Hope you guys are well too. When are you coming up our way again? We'd love to see you guys.

Janae, we know you guys are way busy. Say hi to the family. We'll find a time that works eventually. :-)

Mary, thanks! Liam gets his sweetness from his mom. ;-)

Kimberly Whitaker said...

OK make me cry! What a great story. I see my kids with Abbie and only hope they continue to be there for her. Our "typical" kids see things in a different, and I think better light!

Angie said...

That is a wonderful story and thank you for sharing it. I can't believe that is Liam in the pictures! OMG! He is getting so big and grown up too. Can't wait to see you all in July.

Stephanie said...

That made me cry! What a sweet boy to go along with the sweet girl.

Julie and Jason said...

Nate- This post brought tears to my eyes. Liam is as sweet as he can be! Our typical children are experiencing things most of us have never encountered - and it will make them amazing people! Julie

Jin said...

You know what? I wouldn't be concerned with Liam's motivations, he helped his sister. I hope he continues that thoughtfulness as they grow up together.
I haven't read your blog enough to know if you were concerned about having children after Whitney, but I'm glad you did. Whether it was a leap of faith or not, it was very brave and it's good for both of them! Your family is in my prayers!
(You are amazing parents)

kylecortez said...

my son kyle has the same thing and he can not walk aretalk

Nate said...

Hi Kyle! I'm glad you found my daughter's blog. If your son has a 1p36 Deletion, you should think about visiting the 1p36 Deletion Yahoo! Support Group Website. There are all kinds of caring parents there and we'd love to get to know you better. I have a link to it in the right hand column of the main page.