When Noah came home, I asked Dan if we should tell David right away about what makes Noah special. Dan told me that we shouldn’t yet lest we cloud David’s enjoyment of his new brother and of being a kuya. I agreed. But David is a very curious boy and he probed and asked a lot of questions, some of which can’t be answered with our standard, “because he’s just a baby”. We felt that we owe Kuya an honest answer. I also want David to understand why even if Noah is now home that we have to still keep going back to the hospital and why Noah needs to do exercises and soon, why we’ll be seeing therapists.
So we told him that Noah has Down Syndrome and that it doesn’t mean that Noah is sick but it makes him different and special. Just as there are kids who can and can’t do things, so is Noah. We also told him that Noah may need our help most of the time. Dan looked at David in the eyes and told him that we’ll all be taking care of Noah together to which David replied with a sweet, “OK”
I think David understood some of it and probably the other stuff just flew over his head. I’m sure David will have more questions especially when Noah grows up. Right now though he’s enjoying his brother. He cheers Noah on when the little one inches his way across the baby blanket while doing the neck exercises our geneticist taught us. He wants to wake Noah up all the time and tickle his chin and feet. He kisses Noah’s forehead and strokes the fine fuzz of hair on his little brother’s noggin.
For now David knows Noah is his baby brother. And that’s enough.
Ethel B says
November 11, 2012 at 11:41 pmYour strength and courage is very inspiring, Neva! You are such a wonderful mom. Thank you for sharing your story. Prayers and blessings to your family.
manilamommy says
November 2, 2012 at 7:31 pmthanks so much again for all your kind words and for sharing too 🙂
Eliza Santiago-Ypon (@PaintersWifePH) says
November 2, 2012 at 12:43 amI just know your family is going to be such an amazing voice for the DS community. Noah is such a gift, Nevs. I’m so grateful for your friendship. Your strength inspires me teh!
manilamommy says
November 2, 2012 at 7:30 pmeli!! i’m so thankful that we found each other online and became better friends offline (you, sina kris, rone, jen, jenny and michelle). i don’t think i could have survived the first few weeks without all your support and encouragement.
Rone says
November 1, 2012 at 11:23 pmBravo Neva!
Talia says
October 31, 2012 at 10:23 amKakaiyak! I also have a special brother. We didn’t know he was special until he was diagnosed of having autism when he was 4. Funny how our youngest brother is the most protective of him. When I see them together, I smile because I know they have this special bond only they can understand.
ceemee says
October 31, 2012 at 9:32 amSo touching! Kuya is so smart and will love bunso in his own special way!
Topaz Mommy says
October 31, 2012 at 12:01 amAww! Kakaiyak naman. Reminded me of Vito. He’s also such a good Kuya to Iñigo. David’s going to be really protective of Noah. And they’ll have a special bond! Brothers! Aren’t we lucky to have such beautiful sons, Neva? We are beyond blessed.