from left to right: Me, Justin, and my sister Allyson

Friday, July 15, 2011

JUST SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY!

So about a week or two ago my brother started summer school. He has been going to summer school since he was about three years old and has never had a problem with it. The summer school he goes to is more along the lines of a day camp then school. They going swimming, play on the playground, but also incorporate academics in there somehow. Yesterday at 7:05am when my mom crept up the stairs to quietly wake up my brother she saw that he was already dressed and watching t.v, so she went back down stairs. When its was time to brush his teeth she went upstairs to get him. Justin usually has a fit when it comes to brushing his teeth but today's tantrum was extra dramatic. My mother had to physically drag my 10 year old brother down the stairs as hes screaming and flailing his arms around on the way down at 7:30 in the morning waking me up. Eventually, after many agonizing minutes of hassle just to brush his teeth the task was completed. By this time i was wide awake and had dragged myself out of bed and plopped on the living room sofa. A few minutes later i hear Justin screaming and crying by the front door like a 6 year old child. Obviously, my brother is not a six year old child and sometimes I forget that his brain doesn't have a grasp on the concept that when you are 10 years old you are obligated to act your age. I guess the hole tantrum started because he finally realized that he has to go to school, but my sister and i dont. He wrapped his mind around the notion that if he yells loud enough and acts so out of control, then he doesn't have to go to summer school. It honestly was one of the most embarrassing things Ive ever witnessed in my own house. He was on the ground kicking and screaming all because he didnt want to go to school. It just doesn't seem fair that he can just act his age! Its hard to want to take him anywhere because if he doesn't get what he wants then he just throws himself around. I often forget that it isn't his fault, and i often loose control and snap. I yell at him begging him to JUST SNAP OUT OF IT ALREADY!!! but in all reality, i know that wont happen. It breaks my weary heart to know think that what if he acts like this forever, what if im stuck with a 6 year old brother for the rest of my life? At this point we dont really have much of a choice but to deal with it. I enjoy and cherish every moment with Justin, but when i look at other 10 year old boys, I get a little depressed because i just want Justin to enjoy his life to the fullest, but then i smile to myself and realize that he will, just in his own special way (:          

2 comments:

  1. Katie...I commend you for what you are doing. I can imagine it is hard to understand or even sometimes accept the disability Justin lives with daily. You do so much to help your brother, and now others, to deal with and understand autism. You are wise beyond your years, and the fact you care enough to post this blog, shows so much. There are so many people out there who have no where to turn, yet feel the same as you do. Justin is lucky to have such a caring sister. He has many family members who care deeply for him, as you and Ally, that would not trade him for the world, no matter the circumstances. You should be proud of yourself, and when things get tough, always remember your not alone, and either is Justin. I love you!!

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  2. WOW! I am so moved reading this. It is so simple and yet so extremely poignant. Keep on sharing your stories.

    You are a great sister. It's not easy. As a parent, I struggle in my own way. But I realize the same thing too. I know my son is living his life to the fullest in his own way.

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