I keep this photo of her on my desk. She made that frame herself.
I recently put up this pumpkin she painted for me on my refrigerator.
If you can't tell already, my big sister, isn't like most big sisters. My big sister has Pervasive Developmental Disorder, one of the disorders included in the Autism Spectrum. She isn't like most big sisters, but she is MY big sister, and I wouldn't trade her in for anything. Growing up with Jillian taught me so much and has truly helped to shape the person I am today. She has certainly done her job and gone above and beyond to be the best big sister anyone could ask for, without even knowing it.
Life lessons I've Learned from my Big Sister
1. Compassion. I strongly believe my compassion for animals has more to do with just my love for them. Learning how to love difficult people is exactly that, DIFFICULT. Trying to understand someone who is so very different from you, is hard. Learning how to let go of those things, and loving them anyway, trying to feel some sort of empathy for that which you don't understand, compassion.
2. Don't make assumptions about anyone. Compared to most of her special needs friends, Jill really doesn't display any physical disabilities. I always joke that she is probably the hot girl of the group because until you actually sit down and have a conversation with Jill, it is hard to tell she is special needs.
3. A little crazy is okay. Before we had a diagnosis for my big sister, Jill was TOUGH to handle. Growing up we went through some pretty difficult times until we were able to understand her better. Things got crazy, and though I didn't see it then, I understand better now... our house wasn't perfect growing up. But, guess what, no one's is!
4. Stay humble. We really started noticing the development of my sisters disability in her early teens. At the time, my brother and I were much younger. There are several times when my sister would have episodes in public that I'm sure were even worse on my parents. It was quite the humbling experience for all of us, to say the least.
5. Patience really is a virtue.
6. Everyone is fighting some sort of battle. Furthermore, they are all important. What upsets my sister is equivalent to things that might upset a child, such as being restricted from TV or not allowed to have her favorite snack. Sometimes it's hard to take things like this seriously as I'm sure my parents have struggled with before. These problems seem so insignificant when compared to real world problems. Along with being patient, we have to remember that everyone has their own personal battles. They all are significant and they ALL matter.
7. Be grateful for what you have. My mom always has said "If only we could take just one of your talents and share it with your sister...." I agree. If only I could share one with her, maybe I'd be able to make up for a small part of everything she's done for me.
8. It's the simple things that matter. My sister truly ENJOYS life. She's easily pleased, and overall a very happy person. The most entertaining part about Christmas festivities in the Sofie household, is watching my sister open presents. We could all stand to smile a little more often, get excited about the simple pleasures in life.
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the best big sis any little sister could ever ask for. You have taught me so many valuable things! I love you and wish I could be there to share your special day!
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