Hidden Tears

A sibling bond like no other.

When my kids were younger, I heard typical moms boo-hoo about milestones like their kids going to kindergarten or middle school or college. 

I didn’t have much patience or tolerance for their sentimentality, as those were natural steps, things to celebrate, what we were prepping our kids for. 

Would those moments be awkward transitions? Yes. Would they be bittersweet? Sure. 

But the bitter was only a piece of the picture — and a temporary part. 

Ali will marry in October, and Mark will be part of the festivities but not a part of the wedding party in the typical way a sibling often is, especially one who is so close to his sister. 

My joy over Ali’s milestone makes me think of what Mark won’t have — and I hate myself for raining on her parade in even one of my thoughts. 

And John and I, despite being married for 33 years, are living in two different cities because of autism. 

Some say autism is a gift. Others say it’s a disability. It’s all sorts of things. 

But too often it’s downright heartbreaking.