Ever since his siblings met their oldest brother, they both have been intrigued with his insulin pump and things related to Type 1 diabetes. They want to check their “blood pressure” before eating (it’s blood sugar); they want to give themselves “fake beeps” on their “fake pumps” (my oldest wears an insulin pump).

Today, my daughter found an old pedometer I bought at the Dollar Spot, that wasn’t working and glommed onto it as her “pump.” All day she’s been talking about “site changes” and wanting me to double check her meter readings.

When she found it this morning, my daughter was in her pajamas, and she clipped the “pump” right onto her pjs. When she changed into her regular clothing, on went the pump. When she got ready to take her shower, she told me she would have to take the pump off and asked me to put new batteries in it, because the batteries were low. Afterwards, when she put her jammies back on, there it was again!

When my daughter had to get her own blood drawn for a medical condition that she has, her big brother was so proud of her. He has to have it done several times per year due to his own condition, so he was able to empathize with her. She wanted to show her “big bubbie” how brave she was, too.

The brothers don’t complain when they have to accompany me to their sister’s therapy appointments (when Daddy’s schedule doesn’t allow for him to be at home with the boys). They seem to understand the necessity of it, just as they do the checking of the blood sugar and other medical things we simply take in stride for our family. No one seems jealous or competitive, or “my condition is worse than yours”.

It’s gratifying to know that the kids have truly developed empathy for each other. Years before the adoption, on one or the other of my e-mail loops for parents of children with Type 1 diabetes, it had been discussed about how some siblings didn’t adapt well, because the attention always seemed to be on the child with the medical condition. While pondering the adoption finalization, knowing that at least one of my future children had a medical condition in her own right alleviated some of this fear; however, I didn’t really know until the children actually met and bonded.

I’m thankful for many things, but today, I am especially thinking of sibling empathy, and feel blessed my children deeply care for each other to this degree.