"A Sibling's Serenity Found"
By Kathryn McNamara
For years, Brian, my twin brother who has autism, and I were practically impossible to tear apart. Lately, Brian has regressed back to his old endangering behaviors that filled me with fear, mainly because of his medication withdrawals and numerous other adjustments he must change, and adapt to his residential school.
Separated for the longest time yet ever since his hospitalization phase, I had to cope with myself, be alone, and deal with the blues of summer, especially being isolated from everyone since I am currently on summer break from college.
Ironically, this vacation with myself helped me figure out a lot. Especially now that I seek more support as a sibling. Yeah, I had my share of emotions. The realization I was codependent made me face reality, take a look at myself, and, despite all the tears from all these years of stuffing emotions, being able to cry for once and not suffer from the vanity about it rewarded me with a sense of freedom. I am no longer a refuge of the past at all. I can create my future the way I want it to be. It might not be easy, but I continue to work on myself and want that to happen.
I hope to further my education after I complete my time at community college and achieve my bachelors to further my career as a writer, and become either an ABA therapist or educator depending upon the major I decide. However, in order to make my dreams happen, I must realize I am not inferior, nor alone, and hope everything works out with time. I just need to improvise and focus on myself for a change.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
By Kathryn McNamara
For years, Brian, my twin brother who has autism, and I were practically impossible to tear apart. Lately, Brian has regressed back to his old endangering behaviors that filled me with fear, mainly because of his medication withdrawals and numerous other adjustments he must change, and adapt to his residential school.
Separated for the longest time yet ever since his hospitalization phase, I had to cope with myself, be alone, and deal with the blues of summer, especially being isolated from everyone since I am currently on summer break from college.
Ironically, this vacation with myself helped me figure out a lot. Especially now that I seek more support as a sibling. Yeah, I had my share of emotions. The realization I was codependent made me face reality, take a look at myself, and, despite all the tears from all these years of stuffing emotions, being able to cry for once and not suffer from the vanity about it rewarded me with a sense of freedom. I am no longer a refuge of the past at all. I can create my future the way I want it to be. It might not be easy, but I continue to work on myself and want that to happen.
I hope to further my education after I complete my time at community college and achieve my bachelors to further my career as a writer, and become either an ABA therapist or educator depending upon the major I decide. However, in order to make my dreams happen, I must realize I am not inferior, nor alone, and hope everything works out with time. I just need to improvise and focus on myself for a change.
Siblings with a Mission is a non-profit, international organization established to serve and support siblings of individuals with special needs. All images are found on Google images and are solely used for education purposes. The stories and advice provided by Siblings with a Mission are not to be replaced by professional advice and counseling but to be considered as an additional source of support.
