Family Stories – Finn and Emma
We always say that siblings are the best advocates. They love, challenge, and encourage their siblings to reach new heights, while also being a safe place to land. That’s exactly what Emma is to Finn – a place of security and comfort, while also being that safe space for Finn to learn, grow, and achieve. We invited Emma, a high-school junior, to share her story and experience being Finn’s big sister. We love Emma’s authenticity in sharing her story, while also sensing the immense love she has for her little brother.
What programs are your loved one involved in at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland?
Finn is involved in LMNOP and GoBabyGo!
What types of activities/hobbies/foods/ etc. does your loved one enjoy? Tell us about your amazing brother!
Finn is very happy and loves to laugh and play. He loves reading books before bed, “Wheels on the Bus”, playing with his toys, and watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Bluey. He enjoys eating in general. That boy loves to eat food. He also likes taking walks in his stroller, and now thinks that our dog is the most amusing thing he’s ever seen.
What has been your favorite moment at GiGi’s Playhouse?
I love going to LMNOP and seeing all of the kids. I personally think that kids with Down syndrome are the cutest kids. I love seeing how excited Finn gets during the “Hello Song” when everyone is saying hello to him, as well as bubble time. He’s now able to sign more, in his own unique way of course, so it warms my heart to experience him sign for more bubbles.
What would you like people to know about your loved one, and how can that change the community around us?
Finn is just like any other 3-year-old boy, except things sometimes take him just a little bit longer. Just like every kid, Finn loves to play, sing, eat, and laugh. The only difference is that he has an extra chromosome, that’s it.
What is your proudest or happiest moment regarding your loved one?
When he said “Emma” for the first time. It may have been some type of babble, but it sure sounded like my name. I also love seeing him do things like use his “big boy voice”, rock back and forth on his hands and knees, and just see him grow.
What is one fear you might have had early on, but has now been eliminated? Why?
I remember when I found out about his diagnosis I was angry. I thought people were going to be so cruel to him and he would not get any love. But when I went to GiGi’s and met all the amazing people that I’m close with today, I realized that he is SO loved already. My friends adore Finn, and Finn loves all the attention he gets, especially when we take photos of him.
How do you prefer people approach you when they are curious about your loved one?
I prefer honesty. If you see Finn and you recognize that his features represent Down syndrome, go ahead and ask about him! Plus, if anyone knows me, they know how big of an advocate I am for Down syndrome and special needs because of him.
What has your loved one taught you? What gifts have they brought into this world?
Finn has taught me to love those with disabilities. I used to not be very involved, and I would still treat them with respect, but now I want to help them and outwardly show them compassion. Finn has brought me patience and has opened my eyes to the world of disabilities.
What have you learned by being your loved one’s advocate?
I’ve learned how big the advocate community is. For example, when we participated in the Buddy Walk, there were so many families supporting their loved ones with Down syndrome. I also joined the Youth Board at GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland and discovered that tons of teens my age are just as big of advocates as I am. I learned that I had to pursue my passion, even if it meant stepping a bit out of my comfort zone.
What is your favorite part about being Finn’s sister?
It has to be the fact that he is my brother. I’ve always known people with Down syndrome, but it didn’t really hit me what a blessing people like my brother actually are. I get to see Finn’s growth every day. I also love that every time he sees me; whether it’s getting in the car after school, walking into the room after being at my dad’s, or just being away for 5 minutes, there’s always a HUGE smile on his face with a happy dance afterward.
What is one hope for your loved one?
I really hope that Finn lives to his full potential. I hope that he lives a life full of nothing but love and happiness because he deserves it all.
If there is one thing other siblings can take away from your story, what would it be?
Live each day in the present. When I stay in the present, I can really appreciate how big of an impact Finn is on me, my family, and even some of my close friends.
Is there any party of your story, not answered in the questions above, that you would like to share?
I think just my story in general. Finn was born at the beginning of COVID in February 2020. At the time, I was scared. The day he was born, my brother and I went and visited my mom in the hospital. I remember seeing a group of nurses by this box-looking thing on a cart, covered in tubes and equipment. It was covered by a sheet, so I didn’t know what was inside. It wasn’t until I was in the room, that the nurses brought that cart in and uncovered it. It was an incubator, and in it was Finn. He was so little and he had tubes going in and out of him with so much medical equipment surrounding him. I remember being speechless. We weren’t allowed to touch or hold him, and we had to look from a distance. I got to see him be life-flighted in a helicopter. The sad thing is, all I thought at that moment was that these people took my brother away from me. He has no idea that he has a big sister. Time passed and my mom and stepdad were staying at the Ronald McDonald House by the NICU. During that time was when we found out Finn had Down syndrome. My mom started reading books, and my brother and I were still confused from what we already had gone through.
I do remember the first time I held him. I was so excited and I washed my hands raw right before holding him. The second I got him, overprotective sister mode was permanently turned on. To this day, Finn is my number one priority. It’s weird to say, but I’m honestly glad he has Down syndrome, or else I wouldn’t have had these amazing experiences and met so many amazing people.
If you are interested in sharing your story, please email our Operations Manager, Mary at: mmakulinski@gigisplayhouse.org
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