Sports

Sports are hard for me because I'm disabled. I can't really play I tried soft ball once I didn't really like it. I'm afraid that balls would come and hit me. There's also too much running around and my legs get really tired. The sports I can do is swimming and horse back riding.

Horse back riding is lots of fun. Iv'e been doing it since I was three. I go once a day every week right after school. I don't go in the summer or winter because it's too hot or cold. I don't have one horse that I always ride on. There are many different horses just like my friends. My friend Grace got a horse his name is Suds and he gets to stay there.

I also do swimming lessons at my house. When I was little I did them at the YMCA. Now someone comes to my house and teaches me because we have a pool.  It's lots of work but I'm really good. I can now swim in the deep end without anyone watching me. I know most of the strokes and I can also starting to learn how to dive. I don't wanna be on a swim team because I think that would be to challenging. Maybe in the winter I could do at the YMCA. Swimming is great for everyone and it's lots of fun.

School can be hard

School is very hard for me I have a bad learning problem. It's all part about me being disabled. School is hard because I forget a lot of things all the time. I have to do extra work in the summer and on weekends. Some days I have hours and hours of homework. Doing homework can sometimes stress me out and get me really tired.

Test are also very difficult for me I have to work really hard. My mom and I have to spent at least an hour a day until the test is. I don't really like studding but my teachers and parents found some games for me. For example Quiz let. Quiz let is a spelling game where you type all the words. Then when all the words are done there are many games to play. The games will help you practice typing and spelling the words.


I don't like school that much because it's hard for me. It's hard for me to make new friends and learn. All kids have to go to school no matter what. I always wanted to be home schooled by my mom. Then I realized that school can sometimes be fun. If I was home schooled I would never gone to the school dances and parties. I wouldn't had any friends and plus my mom can't always teach me. Tuesdays and Thursdays she has to go to work. My dad works at home but he can't teach me because he has is own thing. Don't forget to learn hard and be a good student. From Kathleen

FAQ

Twins:

1. What is it like having a twin?
1. It is not what everyone says it's like. We know how to annoy each other like all siblings. However, you see your twin ALL THE TIME!
2. Do you guy look alike?
1. No way!
3. Why don't you look a like?
1. I don't know, all disabilities aside, we would still look different.
4. Who is older 
1. Me! Kathleen is my little sis :P

Advice:

1. Is your sister embarrassing? How do you deal with that?
1. She sometimes can be, but I can be like that too. I just try to talk to her NICELY! I ask her to please stop or explain to her why I feel embarrassed.
2. Biggest challenge having a disabled sibling?
1. Since we are twins, we are expected to get along and it becomes hard to develop are own life and personalities

Please send more questions using the contact us on the blog's home page! (It can be anonymous)

~Julia 

The RIGHT Way to say Goodbye to Your Kids (A message to parents)

In my last post I talked about how hard it was for my parents to leave on hospital trips.  I know it is hard on everyone, so to make things a little easier I want to share some advice.

One moment in my life that sticks out to me was when my aunt had her second son. We were watching her first born and waiting for news. You must be wondering, what is so significant about that? Well, my uncle stopped by our house and wanted to talk to our cousin. He gave him his Ipad and said he had downloaded new games. My uncle's words were calm and quiet, he didn't want to leave. He hugged my cousin tightly and said he would be back soon with his new sibling. 

There was nothing super special about what my uncle did, but it made such a big difference. 

Parents: when you have to leave for the hospital or whatever else, hug your kids tightly. Give each of them a special message, a simple one. Just say I will be back soon, or I love you. Also, if you want, give them something that will keep their mind off the bigger picture. This could be new games on the I pad, a new DVD, or candy. 

When going on a hospital trip, it is tough on everyone. Ease the ache for those you can.

~Julia

Kindergarten

When Kathleen and I were in Kindergarten, a lot of stuff was going on in our lives. Our house was getting remodeled and we started Elementary School. However, something else happened that year, Kathleen got sick, really sick.

My parents had explained that Kathleen had an infection in her brain. So while I went to school, Kathleen and my parents went to a hospital.

My grandmother had picked me up from school that day because my parents were still gone. We all waited for news, sitting in the living room watching TV. Then, my dad came in. He said that they would need to stay longer. He asked me and my brother to get Kathleen's pillow and favorite toys.

I was happy to help, but I thought my father was dropping the stuff off and coming back. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case. He said goodbye to me and my throat became choked up. Holding back tears, all I could do was nod. When he left tears flooded my eyes. They were quiet sad tears, unnoticeable to everyone around me.

I remember thinking, why can't one of my parents stay with me? This isn't fair! When will I see my parents again?

Anyway, in a few months Kathleen was fine, but that did come with some sacrifices. My sacrifices included spending less time with my parents and having my birthday party in the summer instead of
November like usual. We all have moved on from that time, but occasionally the feelings come back of complete abandonment. Then I realize, in the words of Poohbear "how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

~Julia

Hospital trips

Every three months my parents have to take me to the hospital. Most of you who have a disabled sibling probably don't know why they always have to go. Well were just going for checkups nothing personal. I go to CHOP which stands for Children's Hospital Of Philadelphia. I normally like going their because sometimes I get to miss school. Unless I know I'm getting a shot or something like that then I'm scared.

Sometimes I have to stay their over night which I don't mind doing. But I normally don't sleep good at the hospital. The nurses always come in and check on you and they wake you up. Plus theirs a lot of noises outside in the hallway which sometimes keeps me up. So if your sibling comes home looking tired it's because she didn't sleep good. So just give her sometime to rest and maybe in a day or 2 she will less tired.




 

My family vacations

My family and I love going on summer vacations. We go on lots of great ones for example Disney world.
Every April we drive down to Disney world with my uncle. It's lots of fun we go on rides, shop, eat and a whole lot more. Thanks to me my family gets to cut the line so we don't have to wait that long.

Next we go to Long Beach Island. My grandma has a house down their so my whole family on my moms side goes. This place is great too we go to the beach, on a boat, go on rides, shop, go to the water park, shop and get ice cream. My mom, uncles, aunt and grandparents came down when they were young. We had an old house until it got hit by Hurricane Sandy. My grandparents decide to rebuilt the whole thing. It took months by now it's twice as big. Plus theirs room for all of us.

The last place we go to is Great wolf lodge this place rocks. Theirs an indoor water park with over 6 different water slides. Theirs also some more things like a lazy river and an a basketball swimming area. Outside of the water park there's a quest called the magic quest. In this quest kids can find stuff with their magic wand and theirs many surprises. They can even do in there pj's. Also there's a store and two great restaurants.

From, Kathleen

Do I Have Less Compassion? / A Message to Parents

Of course, I love Kathleen, she is my sister. However, it is sometimes hard to accept her as who she is. This shouldn't be hard for me, we are twins! I am also know for being a very open and friendly person. The thing is, Kathleen being my twin is why I may have less compassion. Here is my reasoning and how I deal with it.

Like I said she is my twin, shouldn't we be somewhat similar? Shouldn't we be equal? Shouldn't we share the responsibilities? These were the thoughts that ran through my head daily. Even on some occasions I still feel this way. I understand that my sister is disabled and has to go through a lot, but shouldn't it be somewhat equal?

Whenever I feel like this I like to do something that I love and that I am good at. This gives me confidence and makes my world revolve less around my sister and more around me.



A message to parents: Always try to spend equal time no matter what it is with all your kids. Celebrate every little victory, every A in school, every step closer to a dream. Always encourage your kids to excel in their talents. Give truthful compliments tell them how amazing they are at what they do great. Build their confidence in something they love.

~Julia

The Maturity Level May Not Always Be Equal

Like I have said earlier, my sister is different. She is a little immature.

Firstly, my sister has unique TV preferences. Wow Wow Wubbzy  is intended for younger viewers, however my sister was a fan at the age of 10-11. Now that we are freshman, Kathleen is now getting into my favorite middle school shows. She is obsessed with Disney Channel currently. However, the one thing I CAN'T stand is Spongebob Squarepants. Plenty of people my age watch it, which is fine, but it is the most annoying thing.


My sister also has her own style. She likes to wear sweats or bike shorts out in public. Again,  a lot of people do this, but it looks like pjs to me. However, I understand after going shopping with her. She has to go to the kids section at stores because of her height. Most of the clothes are for younger kids. Luckily we were able to find some awesome stuff for her.

As I said before, she loves to play with toys. She still enjoys Squinkies, My Littlest Pet Shop, Tsum Tsums, etc. She is doing what she loves now, but I loved it when I was much younger.

My sister may act a little younger than she is, but she can be mature at times too. She loves to watch Once Upon a Time with me. She also has started to look at fashion and updated her style. Kathleen still plays with toys, but it's her thing, something that she loves.

Now how do I deal with this? She is suppose to be my twin, have similar interest. I have grown to understand my sister and she has learned to mature and grow up with me. However, my brother teases her. He is still learning to understand.

~Julia

My sister and me

I am twin sister with my sister Julia. She sometimes doesn't understand what I go through. Sometimes shes really fun. We do like some of the same things like computer games and Starbucks. We also like different things. I like making videos and she likes makeup. We also have the same friends which is nice. She can do things I can't like play sports. Over all she is very nice and funny. She protects me sometimes at school and at home. She also helps me with a lot of things too. I always look up to her because shes my big sister. From, Kathleen.

Saturday stars

Hey guys I'm back so yesterday I told you some stories of my life. So today I'm going to tell you guys what Saturday Stars is about. Saturday Stars is a class for disabled kids and it runs every Saturday in the morning. In this class they do everything from cooking to music, piano, sports, art and more. There is something that everyone likes. There are two classes a little class for all the little kids and a big class for all the big kids. Sometime in October they have an event that raises money for the therapy place. I don't know what the place is called. At the event each year there's a different them and all the kids including me have to dance or sing for the parents. We also do an art projected of ourselves based on the theme. We also do piano recital in the spring and for Christmas. Saturday stars is lots of fun if any of you have a disabled child I think you should take them. It's for boys and girls. From Kathleen     

Stories of my life

Welcome back, so yesterday I blogged about what my sister and I are doing for our girl scout sliver award. Now, I'm going to tell you guys a story about me because I'm disabled. For my 8th grade fled trip my sister, classmates and I went to Washington DC. It was hard for me because I can't walk that well so I had to get a wheelchair. One of the aids had to come with me so they can push me because I would get very tried if I did by myself with my hands. My family and I also go to Disney world every year so I get to cut the lines for the rides. We also go on the Disney cruise but that's easy for me. From, Kathleen

Story of My Life

My twin sister and I are COMPLETELY different. On the outside, I am tall with light brown hair, greenish blue eyes, pale skin, and A LOT of freckles. Kathleen is short with dirty blonde hair, pale blue eyes, somewhat tan, and no freckles. On the inside we are different too. I love to write, play basketball, participate in school clubs, and go shopping. I am also really good at school. My sister enjoys playing with toys, filming YouTube videos, and she does not like school. Sure, we are fraternal twins as in not the same, but we are the same age, shouldn't we be somewhat alike?

Me :)

My Twin Sister Kathleen

My sister was born with 22Q. When I was little I was told my sister was missing a piece of her heart. Soon I began to realize, most of the things I love my sister can't do or has trouble with. She can't run or play sports. School is hard for her. She also has a hard time getting involved in school activities and making friends.

Annoying my sister :P

 I know it is not always easy to have a disabled sibling, trust me. She can be embarrassing, but so can I. She may have different interest, but many of my friends do too. I know if you are going through something similar you may feel that you get less attention or are less important. However, you get so much more than your disabled sibling. You can play any sport or game you want, can make friends easily, or do great in school.

As I got older I found ways my sister and I were similar. We both have wavy hair and a similar shaped face. We both enjoy going to Starbucks with our friends, and watching YouTube. I also noticed that we both have similar anxieties, Kathleen's is just a little more extreme because of her syndrome. We have our differences, but we are actually a lot alike, plus we are stuck with each other because we are sisters.


~ Julia

Sliver award blog #1

Hi everyone, for our Girl Scout Silver award we're doing an event for disabled children and their siblings. We're going to do it one weekend right after Saturday Stars. Saturday Stars is a class for disabled kids of all kinds like me. I was born with a broken heart and so I go to this class. We're going to do a cooking class and in the cooking class it's gonna be like cupcake wars.  Each disabled kid is going to team up with their siblings and they are going to decorate some kind of cupcake. This event will be sometime in September because that's when Saturday Stars starts again. My sister and I are going to make a blog everyday until this event happens. After the event is over we might do a few more blogs. From, Kathleen