The range of comments I receive while in the line at Costco or other random places never ceases to amaze me. While most have sincere tones of support, amazement or kindness, some others come flying out of tactless mouths (of both strangers and familiar faces) so fast that I have to blink twice in disbelief over what I just heard. One particular comment made by someone was their thoughts on what a strain a special needs child must put on the other siblings. I didn't even bother with a reply. I couldn't. My explanation to the contrary would have been too long and they probably wouldn't have understood in the end anyway.
I could never imagine a greater gift to their lives than this. And conversely, they are the greatest gift to him. I'll leave it at that and not go into the 100 reasons why. But if you are ever wondering - I would be happy to share.
There is something about siblings that is magical. When Bridger one day crawls, I'm sure it will be to go play with Sadie. When Bridger says his first word, I'm sure it will be to Eva. When Bridger finally eats a doughnut, I'm sure it will be a moment shared with Lance.
Our latest miracle came out of those sibling connections. Bridger, as I have mentioned, is primarily g-tube fed with a menu of about 4 things that he will eat. He has strong oral defenses that we are working with feeding therapists and an outstanding GI team to overcome. Lately, we have had success to stretch his list of acceptable foods to about 8.
Then along comes a brother. With a tray full of cheese puffs that I have had no success with getting Bridger to eat, Lance comes along, sings a little song and *presto* Bridger opens his mouth and eats Lance's cheese puff offering. The next night, I made some homemade pizza for dinner. Bridger had eaten cheese bread at some random moment in the past, so I was working on this food with him. No luck. Lance comes over, does his little game, and pizza was consumed. Two entire pieces to be exact! The next morning, french toast sticks. One sweet big brother just did what a team of therapists and doctors had not found success in after months of strategizing. And they are amazed by this magical sibling connection as well.
Not a chance at all that Bridger would ever let a goldfish cracker in his mouth. That is, until this afternoon, when Eva came along.