Super Sibs!

When Donald was first diagnosed, our assigned social worker suggested that I sign my two older children up for the SuperSibs! - a wonderful free program for siblings of pediatric cancer patients.   They provide age-appropriate support for siblings ages 4-18 to encourage them as they travel the cancer journey with their sibling.   My two 'olders' have received newsletters, journals, little fun goodies, activity books and even a trophy!  Talk about a surprise when those arrived in the mail!   Those trophies were so well-deserved!

Angelina(13) and Andrew(11) have been a real blessing.  They have accepted the sacrifices that come with cancer well.  They go to all of the clinic visits and are great in helping Donald to be brave when he is afraid.  If Donald has to fast before a procedure- they join Mom and Dad and fast too, even if it means being up at 4:30am to travel to the clinic but not eating until 10 or 11am.   They are always on the lookout for anything amiss- often they will notice if Donald is feverish before I do.  When Donald is feeling bad, they are always willing to cuddle up with him and read to him or just comfort him.  One night, Donald was feeling nauseous and started to gag.  I was shocked at how quickly my two 'olders' responded!  They had the trashcan and towels at the ready before I could call for help. True SuperSibs!

I do get the occasional, "Donald gets more attention than I do" complaint, but on the whole, Angelina and Andrew have been extremely accommodating. Sometimes things are a bit off-balance but they understand and give me a chance to make it up to them.   My prayer is that God grants them both a special blessing for their hearts of love and service towards their little brother.