My wife was a child with chronic heart disease. She had two open heart surguries by the time she was a young adult and probably will have to have another sometime in her life. Understandably her parents and younger sister have had a difficult time letting her go even though she is now 35 and has two children of her own. Her parents and sibling have had such a difficult time letting go it has caused many problems in our marraige. In addition, those siblings who grow up along side someone with extraordinary needs can be plagued by an unending need for sympathy, the thing they were unfortunately denied as a child because someone else legitimately demanded so much that there really wasn't much left for anyone else. As an adult my sister in law unknowingly searches for ways to be a victim, through her jobs, her family and friends, and through her inability to afford or accomplish the things she wants. She'll ask for more responsibility but then complain about it. She'll accept unreasonable amounts of help but then complain about her lack of independence. She's obtained much of what she has in her adult life at the expense and from the empathy of others. She manipulate people and casts herself as the one who is doing the favors, making sacrifices and watching over others because as a child she perceived that that is what she had to do at her expense of her mom and dad's sympathy. She was denied that stage of growth. She is unable to except this truth because it's overwhelming for her to admit that as an adult she alone is responsible for not reaching her potential. Even though she and her husband are very capable of accomplishing great things, they hamstring themselves as victims and go on living unable to find real fulfullment. Today they live right next door to my wife's parents on acreage given to them to use for free by her parents.

E is protective of me when I am tired, something that i have been for a while now.  it is hard to break her concern when she sees it and it is in her face.  but I am working on it and she seems to be growing out of it slightly, but there are days when it over rules everything else for her and she just mothers me which feels so wrong, but is kinda sweet
Children should not be so protective of parents
Peace
EF.x 

You sound like you have a very loving & compassionate child there, you are very blessed... It also sounds as if life could be returning to normal as you say 'that Maria still tries to protect Brielle even though they argue sometimes now'. Illness & disability often bring families closer together, creating strong & lasting bonds. As Maria gets older she should become less obsessed with watching over Brielle as she recognizes Brielle is quite able to care for herself; Hopefully the closeness they share will always be there & I may be wrong, but I personally think it's a good thing.

are probably Maria's natural instincts anyway Lexi,I know I was more interested in my brothers well being than my own life,however we did nearly lose when he was born.......Perhaps she is doing what she is meant hey will naturally be more involved in their own lives.It is a great article for helping other parents to monitor similar situations though regards Merle

Hi
Hugs
It is so hard to divide your time when one is sick....we have to be constantly aware of it with Jalan Megan and Rowan.....
They get so resentful somedays yet are so good with ehr others....
Luv Deb