The Other Child ...

     Within days of learning that Adam would live, an elderly and very disabled pediatric pulmonary specialist in the PICU, pulled us aside.  He told us, "Always remember that you have two children......."  The clear message was that in his experience, parents of disabled children often center their lives around care-giving and that other siblings needs are lost  in the commotion of the day and the years.

       For the past twelve years, Aimee has lived the trauma with grace.  While caring for Adam, we made a very concerted effort to never miss a game of this remarkable athlete and attended every event at which she was honored both academically and athletically.  We were always intentionally conscious of the fact that "we had two children..."  It is never easy to accept the reality that both mom and dad can't be there at the same time to join your life experiences.  We only were able to pull this off a few times, but Aimee understood that we had two children.
        From those high school days, Aimee moved on to pursue both her bachelor's degree and her master's of science degree in taxation at Bentley University.  With as much dedication, Aimee completed all portions of the examinations and requirements for her CPA (Certified Public Accountant.)  Since graduation at Bentley University, she has been employed at RSM McGladery (formerly Caturano and Company), one of largest accounting and taxation firms worldwide.  At the firm, she is now a Taxation Manager in the corporate taxation division.

        Yes, we remember every day that we have two children; each as valuable, each with their own gifts; each with an indomitable spirit.  To say that we are blessed is an understatement of great magnitude.