All hail siblings!

Annabel is our daughter, and she’s two-and-a-half years younger than Maia. Their relationship appears to be typical siblings, with equal parts love and irritation. But having a sister with hearing loss is no doubt a unique twist.

Annabel went through an acute phase as a toddler, where she would wear wigs to look like her older sister. But there are also times when Annabel is frustrated by the oddity of the situation.

Annabel will also call out any favoritism, no matter how well-intentioned, towards her big sibling. Annabel says that Maia is so different that she jokes about her celebrity status. Maia is such a minor celebrity that everyone knows her. I guess everyone needs a little break from time to time.

The National Deaf Children’s Society has many siblings who are heroes. They contribute greatly to the well-being and confidence of their deaf children. Annabel is a master at hollering to attract her sister’s interest. She can do it in the bath, before bedtime, or even when Maia’s aids are not on. Annabel has been seen to protect Maia by chatting with her or positioning herself directly in front of her. She manages awkwardness when Maia doesn’t understand and answers questions from her school friends about her sister’s Treacher-Collins Syndrome. She has also patiently listened to countless “How is Maia doing?” discussions.

Annabel is a team player who has embraced cancellations and reschedulings, spent hours in childcare and waiting rooms, and often went to school by herself when Maia needed some R&R.

Both girls are independent and have different interests, but together, they have a lot of fun. They are each other’s safety network and foster a special bond with their companionship and savvy.

I think that our children will benefit from their unique experience as siblings in a world where people skills are more important than ever. Annabel understands that being a sister to Maia does not make her a disabled person. She understands that families can have different priorities and routines and that kindness is the most important thing. Annabel is a very important part of our family. She rebuffed a texter last week by saying: “But I love my sister.”