The sibling perspective: Mimi and Alex

 This edition of Inspirations celebrates siblings and their special bonds. In the winter, we reached out to the community for volunteers who would be willing to tell us about their sibling relationships. 

 My sister Mimi 

My younger sister Mimi is one of the most loving and happy people I know when she is feeling well. Whenever she has the chance, she comes and gives me a hug and tells me she loves me. The next day she could be sick and not talking. 

Growing up with a sibling with special needs has taught me to take everything day by day because things can always change, and that it’s important to be able to adapt and go with the flow. 

I am currently studying business at Concordia University. In some ways Mimi and my relationship is kind of normal. We fight, tease and giggle together. But as she gets older, it becomes more clear that she will not do the same things as other little sisters. She will always need some sort of care, maybe even eventually from me.  

I think growing up with a sibling with a special need has made me mature a lot faster than perhaps a typical kid. Early on I had to come to terms with many harsh realities relating to my sister’s illness that forced me to realize that life isn’t fair. Perhaps learning that from an early age has helped me be more perseverant in the face of other challenges in life. 

I have also learned to never judge anyone’s situation. Having gone through rough times and watching others do the same, I’ve realized that every hardship is equally as bad because it’s all about perspective. 

Mimi’s illness and needs do not define who my sister is and how she should be treated. Everyone has their own special need with differing severities, and I don’t think people should be judged for the things they can’t control like a special need, but instead for their character and actions. 

– by Mimi’s brother, Alex Yazer 

 From Mimi to Alex 

My name is Mimi. I am 17 and attend John Grant High School. Alex is an amazing brother who sometimes bugs me. He is super smart. I feel like I can tell him anything. We just went to Orlando as a family and visited Walt Disney World and Universal Studios. We went on rides together. I like to play games with him, and I really like his hugs. When I’m not feeling well, he tries to help me feel better, which I appreciate, but when I’m sick I sometimes prefer to be alone. 

Alex makes me feel good about myself. He treats me the same as other older brothers treat their little sisters but also has to understand that sometimes I don’t feel well. I know it’s hard for him sometimes. I know that our family sometimes can’t do the things that we want to because I’m sick, and I feel bad about that. I want Alex to be happy.