I was fortunate to have three sisters and a brother, and I’m in the middle of the five siblings. Two younger ones close in age and two older ones a decade more senior. There was often a play companion in the younger siblings or a caretaker in the older ones, and the large number made for some variety and mixing and matching.
Jane and Wilson aren’t so lucky. They’re each one half of the duo, and in Chile their relationship has been tested, strained, and strengthened. We’ve exposed them to the community in various settings, such s choir, skateboarding class, and meeting other English-speaking expat families, but Jane and Wilson have primarily had to rely on each other for companionship. If one wants to play an activity and the other doesn’t, it can be a real let down to the one who wants to play. There’s often no alternative. No neighbor, friend, or other sibling.
It’s been an interesting situation to observe and to help, and I’m pleased and impressed that Jane and Wilson tend to play well together. Not only that, they have compassion for one another. They know when the other is down or having a difficult time in school or with the environment, and they are quick to help one another. There are times when they bring each other down, but more often there are times when they lift each other up.
I’m hopeful the experience builds a bond between them that lasts a lifetime, long after Katie and I are gone.
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