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Friday, August 7, 2009

Could you just eat them up?

I don't know what possessed me to look for these...maybe it's that they are turning SEVEN next week? These pictures were taken right after their third birthday.

Benjie says they are like Muppet Babies-they look exactly the same, just smaller :)




As I contemplate their upcoming birthday, I've been thinking about them, and their unique perspective on the world as Dovi's siblings.

I really do believe that they are almost lucky, if you will, to have Dovi as a brother.

Dovi teaches them tolerance, acceptance, and patience.

Yesterday, the visiting nurse from Dovi's nursing agency was doing her every-three-months home visit. Dovi was telling Ginny about his time at Camp Simcha Special. Ginny couldn't understand one specific word he said. I wasn't in the room at the time and didn't realize what was going on. So Shana went over and translated for Dovi. And she stood behind Dovi, mouthing what he was saying to Ginny in case she didn't understand another word.

My kids are more accepting of kids with challenges. I have a dear friend in New Jersey who has a son in a wheelchair. It is a very involved positioning chair. When we were in New Jersey in June for my niece's Bat Mitzvah, my friend came over to visit with her son. My kids, as all kids are, were intrigued and a little intimidated by Adam (not his real name in order to preserve his privacy)'s chair. I told me kids: "You know how Dovi needs help and he has a wheelchair? Well Adam needs help too, just more than Dovi. And Dovi has a wheelchair? Well Adam does too-but his is bigger and has more stuff because he needs a little more help than Dovi." My kids? "OK Mommy" and off they went.

What's my kids' goal when they are older? They want to be Camp Simcha counselors. Maybe it's because they see all the awesome stuff Dovi does at camp and want in on it too-the iPod he won at camp is really making Elisha jealous. (BTW Raphi-Benjie took it to the Apple Store and was able to exchange the pink iPod for a yellow one.) I'd like to think it's because they get it-how important camp is and how it's incredible for the counselors as well as the kids.

Let's be honest-of course I'd rather Dovi be healthy and not give my kids these "learning experiences". But we've got the lemons, so let's make the lemonade.

And I must say it's some pretty tasty lemonade.

5 comments:

Orah said...

So sweet, Shana standing behind him mouthing what he was saying to the nurse ... Great atitude, and they will grow up special individuals - well rounded.

agent99 said...

I love how EJS just treat Dovi like a regular kid when I see them together, but also help him if he needs it. They are ALL awesome kids, but it's so amazing how they have risen to the task of being "special" siblings. The other day as we left the library, Emily & I passed a kid in a wheelchair. Severe CP caused some pretty awkward contractures, drool, etc. Not only did Emily not stare, but she held the door open for an older lady and waited as the boy's father got to the door. Unprompted. I cried a little.
love to all,
Peta

Miriam said...

Aww - the little Muppet Baby Triplets are too cute! I remember them from back then! They really do look the same now- just bigger! And it isn't a joke- you have the sweetest most caring kids.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for writing this post. It gives great perspective.

galiah said...

I love the story of Shana translating "Dovi-speak" for the nurse. My boys do it too for Kovy... it touches my heart each time I experience it.