I know Marla. We have wondered about that too. It may turn out that the two older ones don't seem to be having a problem with it but way down the road it turns out that they were really struggling but didn't tell anybody. I sure have heard that before. There is an organization that is for the siblings of kids with cancer. I think it is called Kids Sibs or something like that. They offer counseling and there is a website for them. They also mail things to the kids every so often like age appropriate books with puzzles, reading material, and sometimes little trinkets, knowing the siblings can easily either be or feel overlooked.
Kevin is a lot like his dad and is quick to talk things over with people and listen to their feelings. I remember once when Kevin was maybe 7, he had done something that his dad felt deserved a spanking. His dad was going on and on explaining what he had done wrong and why Daddy was going to spank him. Kevin evidently got tired of all the jabber and said, "Dad, can't you just spank me?" Needless to say, we both about cracked up and I don't remember if his dad spanked him or not. But I see that Kevin does that with his kids. He really tries to make sure the kids understand what is going on and let them know he is open to talking whenever they need it.
I think that Kevin and Dawn have really made a valiant effort to include the older kids in everything as hard as that may seem. They have taken them to the hospital as often as then can and made sure that friends and family have been available to fill in the cracks when need be. Their church family has been so conscious of their needs and often stepped in to offer to include the kids in their family things and give them special treats. Ian even said that a year ago summer, even though it was the worst summer of his life because of Braeden's illness, on the other hand it was the best summer because he got to do so many things that he wouldn't have otherwise.
I can't imagine how it would feel for us if they lived in another state. Luckily I am retired too and healthy enough to be able to help out when they need it. They and their kids are so easy to be around and so cooperative. We are fortunate too that Pete, my DH, is cheerfully willing for me to help them. He is Kevin's step dad of 24 years and has always been accepted by Kevin and always filled the Grandpa roll well, to the point that K & D gave Braeden, Peter as his middle name. Cool huh??
By the way, I just reread my first post and it sounds a little strange about what might be going on in the basement at their house. WE WILL BE DRYWALLING AND PAINTING. OK??? Just so you didn't get any bright ideas.
