Dear Sibs - Tag: Placeholder

Dear Sib,
I see you. I see the times you quietly step aside when your sibling’s needs take center stage. I see the way you protect them in public, even when kids (or adults) are unkind. I see how you’ve grown up with responsibilities most people your age couldn’t imagine.

And I need you to know: you’re doing an incredible job. Even when you’re tired, even when you doubt yourself—you are stronger than you realize.

Take care of yourself, too. Your dreams, your laughter, your rest matter. You are more than a support system—you are your own whole person, worthy of love and joy.

Keep going. You’ve got this.

With encouragement,
A Sib

Dear Fellow Sib,
Growing up with a brother who has developmental disabilities taught me lessons I didn’t even realize I was learning—about patience, resilience, advocacy, and unconditional love. But I also worried about the future a lot. What will happen when my parents get older? What will my role be? Will I be strong enough?

Here’s what I’ve learned: we don’t have to have all the answers right now. Life unfolds piece by piece. Support exists, resources exist, and we can lean on one another. The unknown can feel overwhelming, but it can also hold unexpected beauty.

Hope isn’t naive—it’s necessary. And we, as Sibs, know how to carry hope in our bones.

In hope,
Mohammed

Dear Sib,
I’ll be honest—sometimes I get frustrated. Sometimes I feel jealous of the attention my sibling gets. Sometimes I’m angry at the world for not being fair. And sometimes I feel guilty for even having those feelings.

If you’ve ever felt that way, I want you to know it doesn’t make you a bad sibling. It makes you human. We can love our brothers and sisters deeply while still wishing things were easier. Both can be true.

Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Talk about it if you can. Write it down. Find people who won’t judge you for the complexity of your heart. That honesty will help you breathe again.

With solidarity,
Angela