As Owen grows up, we all have more responsibility to teach him what's appropriate, but I know a lot falls on the shoulders of his big brother, Alec. I decided after interviewing Owen that today should be devoted to Alec who takes on so much responsibility on himself for his little brother's protection. I know he stresses out more than he should. It's just his nature, to be honest. But this post is is for him.
I am not adjusting his words just as Owen's interview.
A Brother's Perspective:
Mom: What's it like to have a little brother?
Alec: It's like living with a friend all your life. One you can fight with sometimes.
Mom: What's it like to live with a little brother with a peanut allergy?
Alec: It's like living with a kid with a disorder. You can't do as much stuff as you used to do.
Mom: Like what?
Alec: Like special events. You have to watch out for what you are around.
Mom: What's it like going to school?
Alec:It's hard for him because we are in separate classes. He has to be on his own for about 6 hours. I can't always be there with him.
Mom: How is that 6 hours for you?
Alec: I just worry about him.
Mom: Why do you take care of your little brother?
Alec: I don't know. I just love him.
Mom: How was life like before Owen?
Alec: It was great. I could eat anything before he came.
Mom: Do you ever miss those things?
Alec: Yes, I miss them a lot.
Mom: How important is it for you to know about Owen's allergy?
Alec: It's very important. You never know how severe it could be with him having an allergy. You just have to watch out.
Mom: What kind of things do you watch out for?
Alec: I watch out for peanut shells on the floor if we go to special events. I always make sure now who he is playing with to see if they are eating peanuts or would offer him any.
Mom: What will happen if Owen has peanuts?
Alec: He could die.
Mom: How does that make you feel?
Alec: Sad. Because like I said, it's like having a friend. I wouldn't want something bad to happen to a friend.
Mom: What do you miss out on most because of your brother's allergy?
Alec: I miss eating cashews.
Mom: Do you feel like you miss out on events because of Owen?
Alec: Yes, because people throw their trash, like peanut shells and boxes and stuff all over the place. It's hard to go to some places.
Mom: How responsible for Owen do you feel?
Alec: I consider it about a quarter my responsibility. You just have to pitch in and help. You, me, Dad and Owen all have to help.
Mom: What is it you like least about Owen's allergy and what it has done in your life?
Alec: I had to grow up a little faster than my friends.
Mom: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Alec: It doesn't really matter as long as you just have a good occupation.
Mom: What's a good occupation?
Alec: You are getting paid well in your job. You just want a job you enjoy.
Mom: Tell me about Owen's last reaction.
(I will not recount this story because at this point, he was rather emotional and went through every last detail).
Mom: What was going through your mind in all of that?
Alec: Was he going to die!
Mom: When did you find out he was going to be okay?
Alec: The next morning before I went to school.
Mom: How did you feel?
Alec: Relieved. That day is one I won't forget EVER.
I stopped the interview there. He needed me to. I could tell he was quite done and emotionally finished. Please know that I didn't just end the interview and move on. We sat and talked and cuddled for quite a bit afterward to help him have some peace of mind. He also knows it is not so much his responsibility to take care of his brother. My big-hearted sunshine still feels he has to protect his brother, which isn't bad. But he knows should anything happen he is NOT responsible for the outcome. What an emotional way to end the week.
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