As we picked up speed on the downhill I took a moment to look back at the trailer I had in tow. It only took a second for my heart to melt. In the trailer was Gracie sitting quiet and still, smiling as the sun washed over her. On her left shoulder laid her little brothers head. Max with a look of complete comfort and happiness. For any father the sight of you kids enjoying each others company is a blessing, but for me on this day it meant the world to this father.

Over the last couple weeks I have been working on an article titled ‘The other child’. ‘The other child’ is about parenting siblings with a special needs child. I don’t pretend to be an expert on the subject, but it seems that a lot of people think Brandy and I have done an alright job. Over the last 4 years we’ve heard lots of professionals comment on how balanced and adjusted our daughter was and how much love she has for her little brother.

Anytime I have the opportunity to tell my story I am quick to start with Brandy and I sitting in the hospital room after receiving Maxs diagnosis. We were very purposeful at that moment to begin the dialog about what this means for out daughter. It was the start of a dialog that is still taking place, and a dialog that I don’t believe will ever really stop. My hope is that the article once finished will offer encouragement and serve as a loose set of ideas to help other parents navigate the rough waters of parenting with a special needs child.

As I have been trying to capture the spirit of what we have sought to do, what I really needed was to look back and see my kids together full of joy and love for each other.