Three years after Whitney was born with all of her complications and challenges, Melanie and I welcomed a son to our family. We named him Liam in the hope that someday he can help be a protector for his older sister. Liam is a short form of William or Wilhelm, which means willing protector in German.Liam is just turning seven but we're already seeing inklings of his ability to look after Whitney. The other night as I was tucking Whit in for bed, Liam came in and asked her if she would like him to read her a story. She nodded and Liam picked up Fox in Socks, one of Whitney's favorite books. Liam proceeded to sit down on the night stand next to Whitney's bed, reading and showing her the pictures. I stood quietly in the doorway to Whit's room and listened.
Moments like this are still pretty rare in our home, but Liam seems to innately comprehend that Whit needs a little extra help with things. He doesn't usually get too impatient and he's starting to understand that, even though he's the little brother, he can provide some of the help Whit needs. It's early yet, but I have high hopes that he'll be there for Whitney sometime down the road when she really needs him.
2 comments:
I just happened upon your blog. My nephew was diagnosed with 1p36 deletion syndrome when he was a year old. He is now 6. He loves music, books, people, and riding the bus to school. The Lord certainly knows which families to place these special kids in. While it is not easy, I know my brother and his wife would say that Carl has taught them more about life than any other person. I can relate to your story here about the brother being the protector. My nephew has 3 siblings. An older brother and sister, and a younger sister. Each of them know the Carl is special, but that doesn't stop them from involving him in their everyday life. Or his cousin who is the same age as him who is always so excited to see him and drag him around and tell him everything that is going on in a 6 year olds life. So, I was just encouraged to see another family love their child. God doesn't make mistakes.
Thanks Jo! I really appreciate what you said. We've kind of been going through some tough times with Whitney lately so I haven't posted much. Your words of encouragement really lifted my spirits.
Nate
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