Support Systems

This week I got some literature from the SuperSibs! program that really got me to thinking. 

SuperSibs is a program that offers literature and support to the siblings of kids with cancer.  Obviously, as most people know, the whole family is impacted by dealing with any illness that causes all the attention to be focused in one direction.   Rightfully so, the child dealing with the illness needs extra attention, parent's time at the hospital and resources from the family.  It is a great program and I can see where cases that are more severe than our families it must be a lifeline for those children.

We struggled to keep Kade and Kenadee's lives as normal as possible during Kagan's journey.  The day he went to the hospital I decided that everything was going to remain the same for them and I am so glad that I did.  It took much effort from Kaleb, our family and friends to keep things going but everyone offered to pitch in and help.    Luckily we were able to manage most of it on our own but the outpouring of love towards the kids and offers to help with them gave us a peace of mind.

So that brings me to what I was reading in the SuperSibs! packet.  The literature reminded me how lucky I am that Kade and Kenadee are who they are too.  These two kiddos helped me out so much with picking up extra chores at home, taking more turns with walking dogs, making phone calls for me and then the one part that was even harder - they relayed the news of their brother to Kagan's friends, teachers, church friends, cousins, etc.   I thank them both for the never ending support of their brother and for taking on that burden that this blog was suppose to alleviate for them somewhat.

I read this packet of information right before Thursday and Friday's open houses.   We had teachers, students and school officials all come up and offer support and their concern for our family.  Kenadee's culinary class teacher last year made meals for our family this summer and has offered concern for Kenadee on several occassions.  (Thank you very much Mr. Artz and Culinary Club!).     I realized at this point that as they go back to school all three kids have a burden of answers to carry back with them.

I appreciate people who invested time with Kade and Kenadee.   They both have some very good friends with great parents who will never know how much their stepping up with my kids have meant to me.

Simply, put I know that I have talked about how the support of my parents (who again I will tell you are just the most awesome people in the world) and Kaleb's mom (who is such a blessing to all of us), our friends and Kagan's support group of friends.  I just know that I have yet to thank all those who stood up to be there for Kade and Kenadee and it felt like time.

Thank you God for support systems that make us stronger than we are!