Thanks are in Order

I feel like everyone I read gives a piece of themselves to all of us, so today I’d like to re-point y’all toward Kristen over at Special Siblings Speak. She’s just getting started, but what she says is definitely heartfelt and really important. I love reading her and her genuineness (is that a word?) It’s also a perspective I don’t see often in the blogosphere. Go on over to check her out and let her know you’ve been there, to encourage her to write more.

*From stayingafloat

I just found this on stayingafloat’s blogspot and I have to say I’m totally touched. I started this blog as a project from my graduate class and in the process have found that blogging is actually pretty therapeutic. I didn’t realize anyone was even reading what I had to say. So, in short, I have to say thank you stayingafloat for all the support. It’s nice to know that my ramblings are being read and understood. I’m really excited to continue this blog even after the class is over and turn this website into something more. Somewhere where many siblings can come and share their thoughts and worries. We all need a support group.

The Age Old Question, Why me?

The holiday season has me thinking about the many people and things that I am so lucky to have in my life. There are so many in the world that are hurting or suffering or are in need of something. This is the time of year when we are all supposed to look at our lives and realize what we are thankful for and what we appreciate in our lives. The biggest question I always have is why me? Why do I have a special needs brother?

I don’t mean this question is the way of “woe is me, my life is so hard”. I mean it more as a real question-why was I chosen to have this challenge in my life? I think we all get different challenges and different obstacles in our lives. Some people have medical problems of their owns, or parents with medical problems, or learning problems, etc. I always wonder why I was given a special brother. It makes me wonder what life would be life if I didn’t have my brother in my life. Would I still care about others? Would I still have the same drive to make a difference in the lives of those who are in need?

Are we given these challenges and obstacles as a way to show us how our lives are supposed to go or the path we are supposed to follow? I always think that there must be a reason that my brother has special needs and that I specifically was chosen as his sister. There is a reason for everything that happens in this world and everyday brings another piece of the puzzle to figure out. I just wonder why I was given this specific challenge in my life.