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The Best Big Sister

 

The Best Big Sister


Savannah is our oldest. She loves soccer, gymnastics, painting, showing her heifer, staying the night with her Mamaw and being a big sister to Harper and Dallas.

It’s crazy to see how much love she has for them, because I know typically siblings fight or they argue. But that's not them.

I remember after Harper and Dallas got their diagnosis I sat Savannah down and explained to her that Harper and Dallas had autism and she only had one question for me. 

She asked, “is that why they don't talk?” I said yes and that was it. 

I had all 3 of my kids close together Savannah and Harper are 25 months apart. Dallas and Harper are 17 months apart. 

Sometimes I would wonder why Savannah didnt have more questions but really it's all she has ever known. 

Savannah is a fierce protector of her siblings. She loves them with everything she has.

 She is understanding, helpful, and kind. She makes sure they are included and taken care of. 

The girls started school recently and Harpers Para and I have a google doc to share how her days have gone. I always check it after we get back home. 

I started to notice that when the girls got in the car Savannah was telling me all about how Harpers day was. I would get home and check the note from the para and what Savannah would have said and what the note said was almost identically matched. 

I asked Savannah how do you know all about Harpers day? Her response brought a tear to my eye.

She said, with all the attitude, “Mom, when Harpers teacher brings her to the pickup line i ask her about Harpys day.”

She said it like it was so obvious, why would I be asking her such a crazy question! 

Savannah sacrifices a lot. As much as we try to do our best to keep her life as normal as possible, the truth is, it's not. She has two autistic siblings. 

Most of the time only one of us can go to a game or gymnastics because Dallas and Harper just can't go. She can't have friend sleepovers because our house can be very unpredictable. You never know if Harper is going to come running through unclothed or if one of them has a really bad meltdown. These things that come with autism are normal to those of us in our home but I am very aware it could be alarming to someone else.

 She never complains. She helps out around the house with anything we need from her. She will play barbies with Harper when she'd rather be playing her game. Or she will jump on the trampoline with Dallas even though she’d rather be inside or riding her bike.

She is so selfless and caring.. 

I always say if you're not sure how you should treat Harper or Dallas just watch Savannah. She is a walking representation on how to treat people with a disability. She's the perfect big sister and the perfect advocate.

This is her life day in and day out. I would fully understand if she had hard days or got upset. Shes just a kid and the things that we go through as a family everyday can be very hard. She never complains. She just loves them so fiercely. 

She knows more than most adults about autism and special needs. I know she's going to change the world in a big way some day. 

This piece was written by Shelby Shivener. From Autism On The Farm on Facebook. 

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