Acceptance, integration, socialization. We hear these words often now. Sometimes rightly, sometimes not. For some they have remained words; for others they have become lived experiences, brave and good ones.
Yet I think we have given far too little thought to what came before the words—to the daily problems these concepts posed for parents when they had to face them on behalf of the siblings of a child or teenager with a disability.
Much has been written to help parents. Little or nothing for siblings: alone, sometimes too young, often afraid to speak lest they deepen the wound, they have been—we must acknowledge it—and still are, the great forgotten ones.
At Fede e Luce, some have found themselves held by affection and care. But this is not enough. They deserve a place to speak and be heard.
This issue of Insieme tries to do that. We hope to begin a dialogue with them and offer at least this one certainty: you are not alone.
To all of you siblings, who with such courage walk alongside your brothers and sisters in their weakness, we ask forgiveness for all the thoughtlessness and suffering you have endured. We ask you, gently, to speak up—with your answers, your stories, your struggles, your questions—in hopes that we might help.
Together we ask the Lord to give you the strength to know joy and lightheartedness—despite the daily weight—as your young years deserve.
Mariangela Bertolini, 1980