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What I learned from my sister with Special Needs…

What I learned from my sister with Special Needs…

My sister- sweet, pure, innocent, altruistic, kind, patient, funny, compassionate, empathetic and friendly was also mildly developmentally, non ambulatory and totally dependent for all activities of daily living.

As a young child, I remember teaching her addition using pretzels and licorice sticks at our kitchen table.

Then as a teen, she always went out with me and my friends.

If I went for ice cream, to the park, movies or bowling, she always came along. I endured walking at half the speed, taking frequent trips to the bathroom with her, and of course, all the stares…..and I wouldn’t have had it any other way!!

I automatically assumed the role of the caretaker.

As a youngster myself, I had to mature quicker than the average teen.

I looked at the world through a different lens. Where others saw despair, I felt inspired. While others were impatient, I learned perseverance.

Where others didn’t see a typical person, I only saw potential for growth.

I understand that bringing up a child with special needs can be challenging, and often frustrating.

But, as the sibling of an adult with special needs, and as her caretaker for the past 20 years, I also learned how to be a passionate advocate for those whom I love, I became inspired to become that person who can change the trajectory of a child’s life, and I realized that I’m a better person today because of the way that my sister was born.

I work each day to help others get past the cacophony of daily challenges and to make lemonade out of lemons.

She was perfectly imperfect!

Firefly Blog

Real life stories, issues and experiences of day to day life by special needs parents and
healthcare professionals.

Sharon Galitzer (Physical Therapist)

Meet Our Blogger

I'm a pediatric physical therapist and also the sibling of an adult with special needs.

View Sharon’s Profile

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