Brotherly Love

I have to share this, because I think about it everyday. I think about how lucky we are that Gabriel (Isaac's big brother) has taken to his little brother so well. We couldn't have asked for a better big brother for Isaac. As much as we know God has a special plan for Isaac, we know God knew exactly what He was doing when He made Isaac and Gabriel brothers. Despite all of the changes that have happened in Gabe's life since Isaac was born, he has never once complained or even shown jealousy towards Isaac. He has only given him love and we have seen a compassion with Gabe towards Isaac that he does not give to everyone. Gabe is a very special boy. He does not see Isaac's lack of movement. He knows Isaac has a colostomy bag and he sees us change his diaper, but never once, has he asked why does Isaac poop in a bag. He doesn't even notice that Isaac does not have a belly button. He just accepts. I once told Gabe we need to massage Isaac's legs since he can not feel them and Gabe didn't blink an eye. He just kept on playing right along side his brother like nothing was different about him. I think Gabe's view of Isaac is the closest view of how God sees Isaac. Perfect ; just the way he is meant to be. He does not see Isaac's deficits, rather he see that he has a brother to love on, play with, read to and be with. The love Gabe gives Isaac is nothing but precious and pure.

Gabe cuddles Isaac.


Gabe shares his beloved "CC's" with Isaac.


He adds a player for Isaac when we play games. "Mommy, you be red, I be blue and Isaac be green," is usually how it goes.



Gabe reads books to Isaac.


He wants Isaac to play with him at the playground.


And, he doesn't even mind sharing his special hang out time with daddy.


The first person he kisses hugs and says, "I love you" to each night is Isaac.


And while, they have their own unique personalities and looks, they can't deny they are brothers. (these pictures just make me laugh so I had to share.)



I once felt bad that Gabe would not have a typical brotherly, rough and tumble, football, tackling, push me down relationship like most brothers. I felt like Gabe would be missing out. I felt like Isaac might be jealous of Gabe. But now I know Gabe and Isaac's relationship runs deeper than sports. I am sure they will fight, I am sure they may wrestle (in fact, I just caught Gabe laying top of Isaac just last night, giving him "love". I thought Isaac was squished but when I got Gabe off of him, Isaac was laughing). I am sure they will both get annoyed with each other. But I can tell they get excited to be with each other. Isaac looks at Gabe with big eyes and chatters like, "he knows what I mean". Gabe talks to Isaac and wants Isaac to be involved in everything Gabe is doing. Now I know, they already have the perfect "brotherly" relationship and they define what brotherly love is.