Hi there,

Well this was Mike's first weekend home since she was brought into the hospital 3 weeks ago with a stroke. She is scheduled for surgery this Wednesday as I mentioned in an early post.

My question tonight is this...Mikeala has a brother ..Keghan. Keghan is also 8. They are not twins ..5 months apart ..Keg older. ( Half brother and sister ..same Dad ..long story ). Keg and Mike are very close. They do everything together. They do at times have there fights as siblings can do...but for the most part they get along good.

I've really noticed this weekend some real jealousy issues with Keghan.When Mike first came home he was her keeper. He was terrified when she was in the hospital and held her hand threw every needle and never left her side. He pinned for her for weeks to come home and when we'd get him to the hospital he'd climb in bed with her and snuggle. Answer all her questions for her and do his best to make her comfortable.
Now that she's feeling better ..up running around today at the park. Playing frizzbee ..ect ect. Was a really good weekend for her. No headaches or problems at all...tonight I notice Keg is having some real jealous issues.
Example .." You tucked Mike in longer ?" Why does Mike always get to pick everything ?, Why are u making Mike laugh and not me ? , a long time ago you bought Mike a big teddy bear and me just a measly ole lil motorbike ( which I have no idea what that's about ), anyway ..you get the point.
I've been really careful when they are both around to treat them both the same. Of course were watching Mike a lil closer ..and lots of visitors have come ..and she has been getting all kinds of get well gifts ect..which I've tried to compinsate for by picking him up things here and there ..taking him on special one on one outtings with me. I'm sure this is all normal ..but tonight he said " If I was the one who'd have gotten the stoke ..you'd be loving me more too". I did my best to explain...but I'm just wondering if other parents have experianced this with there siblings of sick children and maybe some good tips how to handle it.
Thanks so much
The Baird family
( Carmel )

Hi Carmel

It sounds to me like Mike is one lucky sister to have someone like Keghan.

Our attitude with Matthew, Luca's 4 year old brother, has always been to treat him as an equal when it comes to Luca's situation, not as a child. We tell him like it is; obviously taking time to explain in a way he'll understand. This, so far, appears to be paying dividends and, for someone so young, he is quite understanding that Luca NEEDS our special attention at times.

Each individual situation will be very different, but maybe this helps.

Good luck
Mark (Luca's Dad)