Ripple Effect on the Family

While Ada's condition has made a huge impact in her life, it has also had a ripple effect on the entire family. As parents we can add credibility to the idea that stress has a negative effect on the immune system. After things calmed down a little we both found ourselves battling colds.



Ada has an older brother and sister. They have been invaluable in keeping the family functioning. From helping get food on the table, to cleaning the house, to playing with the younger kids. But it is asking a lot for pre-teens to fill the roles of adults, and they are now ready for a break, and taking it. We have to work with them to keep them focused on school work. But they will come around.



The greatest impact has been on Ada's little sister and brother. While they don't identify that they feel neglected, it quickly became evident in their behavior that they were having a difficult time with the amount of attention we, and others, were focusing on Ada. Especially little sister, who has alway thought herself a twin with Ada. At one point I overheard little sister say, "I wish I was fat and poofy too!"



As soon as we recognized what was going on we made some quick adjustments to make things as normal and "fair" as possible. The school routine was quickly re-established for the older ones. For the younger ones Dad began taking them out on extra dates. He would help them buy things that matched what Ada had been given by friends so they could all play together. They each have their own water bottle, like Ada, to monitor how much they drink. They get straws, and they get to eat the same things she eats.