Today's short post is brought to you by RoRo, JJ's nine-year-old sister. She is my very first guest blogger! Please welcome her and enjoy the short story she wrote about six-year-old JJ.
RoRo is a lover of stories, books, and poems. She taught herself to read before kindergarten and has never looked back. Her reading level and vocabulary have always impressed me. She has recently become interested in creating her own stories and poems and asked me if I could share one on my blog. Of course, I said yes.
As a reminder, JJ lives with Rett Syndrome--a rare, progressive genetic disorder. She uses an eye-gaze device to communicate because she is nonverbal and does not have purposeful hand use. She is bright, fond of tricks, and loves her big sister very much.
RoRo's Short Story:
JJ
She's my sister. I love her. Sometimes she's annoying, but still most of the time she's nice. JJ is really imaginative, like me. At times, I see a different girl in her, lost in thought. Sometimes she's just sassy. Sometimes she's fussy. But best of all is when her eyes get bright, she has a huge smile, and sometimes starts giggling. It's such a joy to me, watching her be happy.
Life is hard with a sister who has Rett Syndrome. She can't walk, talk, or use her hands. When she gets sick, she really gets sick. The times when she's having a bad day make me really sad to see her suffer.
JJ is really smart. (She's fed up with being taught the ABC's). I know she might look dumb but that is not the case. Life with JJ has joys and sorrows, as we work through the hard parts together.
As sisters.
My goodness! Rosemary is just an incredible person and sister!
This is so beautiful! So much love for her sister
Rosemary,
This essay is well written and a joy to read. It has humor (I think everyone who has a sister has found her. annoying at times). You succinctly but vividly set out many of JJ's attributes and tell us about her struggles. The overall message of the piece is about your love for each other and that comes across poignantly. Well done. Please keep writing.
Ann McElhenny
I know the joys and upsets of sisterhood. This is a well written piece that checks all the boxes. Thank you for writing so eloquently RoRo. Keep writing and sharing so we can keep enjoying.
How lovely an expression of sisterhood. Brings tears to my eyes in a good way. One of Josephine's accomplishments is giving Rosemary a meaningful life experience. Life is hard, many times, and to the fault of no one person. To the credit of Rosemary, and the contribution of good parental guidance, Rosemary has let this experience assist her into becoming her best human being. I thank her for sharing her thoughts so graciously, and loving Josephine!