The more
I learn about
sibling relationships, the more impressed I am with what *ambivalent*
relationships
they are--even when there is no disability. It seems that when
disabilities
are present, the ambivalence only gets stronger--the highs are higher
(e.g.
"Donny has brought me unending joy and laughter, and probably increased
my sensitivity hundred-fold." Would many of us make such a comment
about
a sibling who wasn't disabled? ) and the lows are lower. (e.g. "On the
other hand, sometimes I can't help but feel frustrated and cheated.").
The challenge, I suppose, is to celebrate the insights and sensitivity
one gains as a result of the relationship, learn (sometimes painful)
lessons
from the frustrations and then--somehow--move on. Don
Joan
Fleitas, Ed.D., R.N.
Associate
Professor of Nursing, Lehman College, CUNY
Bronx,
New York 10468
Last
updated: November 30, 2006
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