Biological siblings have the benefit of the same gene pool, genetic wiring, yada, yada, yada. Even adopted sibs can create a bond through artificial twinning in the sense that they are, generally speaking, going through the same developmental and cognitive milestones at the same time. But how do you explain a brother and sister who are not related biologically, and are not close in age, but yet can read each so well that they know each other better than they know themselves?

Let me give you an example of what I’m talking about: Faithful readers of this blog know that my oldest son has autoimmune Type 1 diabetes. My son was diagnosed with this condition three months shy of his third birthday, so he’s lived with this condition most of his life. He’s very in tune with his body and is usually the first to tell you that his blood sugar is off, and whether it’s off because it’s high, or because it’s low – and he’s accurate probably 98% of the time!

So, last night, while the children were playing together, my six-year-old daughter asked her nine-year-old brother if he was feeling alright. More than that, she specifically asked him if his blood sugar was low. Again, my oldest is uncannily accurate in knowing exactly when he’s gone low. He told his sister that, no, he really wasn’t feeling well. She suggested that he check his blood sugar. Sure enough, he was at 61 (a normal blood sugar reading is anywhere between 70-115, and the lower end of that for kids is generally pretty profound in terms of how they feel).

Hubby and I were blown away! Yeah, it could have been a really good guess because she hears him say he’s high or low – and as you know, she has so much empathy for him that she “wears” an “insulin pump” also. We think it’s just proof of how deeply the kids have bonded.

This comes on the heels of these two losing teeth within minutes of each other.

We are so blessed to have three children who are so utterly devoted to one another. This latest development is only proof positive that these children have formed a bond that even some biological siblings don’t have. I know I am a blessed woman, and as I sit here and hear their giggles resonate through this home, I know that they will forever remain the best of friends.

Photo credit: Marie Stroughter