Ok, I realize this may not be quite as dramatic as taking a bullet for a fellow soldier. But through the eyes of a scared 4-year-old boy, that is exactly what his big sister did on his behalf.

Both my kids had their annual pediatric check-ups today. During the appointment, my daughter was given the option of either getting her additional Chicken Pox booster right there and then, or making an future appointment to do so. She opted to wait.–

My son, on the other hand, was due for two vaccinations. He wasn’t given a choice. Today was the day. He was not happy.

Let me add that my children, who have the usual sibling issues of daily tugs, pulls, pushes, kicks, and yes, the occasional bite, also have a very deep love for one another and the desire to protect the other from any harm.

I believe it was this commitment and upon seeing her brother’s fear, which prompted my daughter to make a conscious choice to receive her booster, before him, so that her little brother wouldn’t be the only one with a sore arm.

Faced with needing to be brave and couragous for the sake of her brother, she responded in the affirmative when asked by the doctor if she wouldn’t mind getting her shot right at that very moment.

I melted as I watched my daughter put her pain aside in order to help her brother cope with his.

There was no hesitation as she sat strong, anticipating the prick. She didn’t make a sound other than to thank the nurse for the lollipop.

There was no hesitation as she stood before her litting brother saying, “You can do this. Don’t look at your arm. Look at me. Focus on me and your lollipop.”

Focus on me and your lollipop.

My son never wants to return to “that place”. Even the obligatory post-MD visit to Dunkin’ Donuts on the way home couldn’t take away his sore arm.

But maybe, just maybe, his big sister can.

Sure, siblings have their difficult moments, and yet, in the midst of daily chaos, don’t forget to catch these memorable markers in the lives of your children.

How have you caught your children expressing their love and support for their sibling(s)?

Photo by otisarchives3