My First-Born Is Finally 21!

So I have mentioned my other autistic daughter many times.  Although, my daughter will likely kill me for sharing, I have decided to take the leap and THANK HER for fighting for her sister and for processing so much over the years.  My first-born is finally 21! She is bodacious and brilliant and bossy!  I cannot believe how far she has come, and I am excited to see her soar.  What I want to thank her for is fighting for herself – ALWAYS – and for making her way despite obstacles.  She has the fire in her spirit to thrive, and I appreciate that drive in her more than she will ever know.  My older daughter has always treated her sister with dignity and held her to the highest standards.  She never allowed her use her “disability” as an excuse.  My older daughter also never allowed her sister to take over.  I say this because it is easy to give attention to the child that you perceive needs it the most.  While we, like most parents, had challenges raising our older daughter, I am extremely grateful for her strength and perseverance.  I cannot wait to see her soar!