HamlandFamily.org

Axel is the super brother. Protector, pro wrestler, cuddler extraordinaire! But most importantly and problematically, Axel is an empath.

From his first breath Axel has been Jeanne’s number one fan and, in turn, Maeve’s best friend.

Axel has also been through the best and hardest times. The problem here, is that Axel is a four year old and did not AND does not have the vocabulary and emotional intelligence to understand what his sisters are going through and the big emotions from siblings and his parents during tough times.

He knows he wants Jeanne to be okay, safe, happy. He wants the same for Maeve.

But Axel is not a trained therapy provider. Axel deserves to be a kid. Axel also deserves care.

We are constantly thinking of Axel’s needs even as, sometimes, the therapy appointments, emotional management, or behaviors from the girls may overshadow or bump his needs in a situation.

So, we prioritize. We grieve and cheer for Axel. We plan the care for all of our kids how we can with the time, focus, energy, and means that we have. With Covid, with daycare illnesses, bad weather, or whatever life gives us, we try to adapt. Sometimes not too successfully.

Spring is right around the corner with nice weather, a bit of change, and spring soccer where he will absolutely tower over all the older kids. If you need a laugh, ask me about the time Axel was in the toddler sport class and he looked like a middle schooler with a much needed diaper on. He galloped through a sea of quizzical looks.