Gillian Marchenko

March Home Staging, Jooniper Design, Author & Speaker

A blog post from my daughter Elaina

(The following post was written by my oldest daughter, Elaina who is 11 years old. I’d love for you to leave her a comment. She’s excited to be guest posting :)).

I wanted to write a post for my mom’s website.

She said it has to be 500 hundred words or something like that so here goes.

Life with sisters who have Down syndrome

Evie is really growing up! She is louder and likes to share her opinion. And Polly shares her opinion on just about everything. A few minutes ago Zo told me that Polly was in my room singing in front of my door mirror. Polly is fascinated by her reflection and especially when her reflection is singing. Today we four girls and my papa went to the library, Aldi, and Barnes and Nobles bookstore. Just when you think they are growing up they do stuff like trying to pull books off shelves or riding the escalator a million times. Another example is playing with the nooks till a worker has to turn them off. I love them but sometimes they can be hard to have around.

About my mom’s depression

Now I told you how life is with Polly and Evie around now let me tell you about my mom’s depression. Sometimes you get mad at mom for being depressed or you feel like you do all the work. Sometimes I cry or freak out. But really mom can’t control it. So if there is anyone else who has a loved one who is struggling with depression and you feel the same way please let my mom know and she will pass the message on to me. Thank you for reading my post and please have a nice week!!!!!!

Thank you Elaina, for your wonderful post. Love you, sweetie!

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36 comments found

  2. Great job, Elaina! My son is only three, but I look forward to hearing what he thinks about having a sister with Down syndrome when he grows up! Thanks for that little peek into sibling life!

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  3. Wow Elaina… when I saw that you were going to write about your mom’s depression, I was really interested to know what it’s like for you. And what you wrote surprised me – not because I was surprised that you get mad or freak out – but that you admitted it. That is what makes a great writer – someone who is willing to be honest. I also liked that you just said it – no complicated words or explanations. Way to go on your journey of writing!!

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  4. This is a wonderful post, very honest. It would be wonderful for you to start your own blog. I bet there are more people struggling with the same things you are the you realize. There are lots of kids your age dealing with parents with depression or other illnesses. Hugs and prayers to you, just remember to take some time to look at the gifts in your life…

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  5. What a heartfelt post, Elaina! I have a feeling my older kids could really relate to you on all counts. They, too, have experienced doing more than than their fair share and have experienced the joy & embarrassment of having a sibling that is a bit unconventional. Keep writing your thoughts. <3

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  7. Elaina, you did a marvelous job as a guest writer! I love your honesty about two topics that many would be reluctant to discuss in such candid words. I know your Mom must be very proud of you. Keep writing from your heart!

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  9. Great job! My girls and you have A LOT in common! They have a little brother with ds AND a mom who struggles with depression…youbshould talk sometime:)

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  11. Hi honey! You did a great job. I have a little brother with Down’s (10 years younger than me) and a mom who had depression. It is not easy. But I always knew my mom loved me more than anyone, and I know how much your mom loves you. And you keep on going. XXOO

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  13. Very well done. I am glad that you can express your feelings. Being honest is very important for a writer. When you say what you feel, other people very often say, “Me, too!”

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  14. Hey. I just read your blog. Depression is an interesting part of life. I have family members who have suffered from it as have I. We always hope for the best and are glad that we have people around us who love us anyways. Doctors who know know what they’re doing is very helpful too.

    I have a daughter with Down syndrome. She’s 7. She’s the joy of our lives. I often wish we had other siblings for her. But it’s just the way life works out sometimes.

    It’s getting dark here in my neighbourhood. I hope you all have a good night.

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  15. Elaina, thanks for you honesty in your post. It was interesting and helpful to read what you wrote about life with your sisters and your mum’s depression.

    I hope my family and your family can meet up again, our kids enjoyed spending time with you and all of your sisters.

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  16. Gillian,
    I am impressed with your parenting. As a sibling that grew up in the culture of the 70’s/80’s, it was not the norm to share our feelings. Never would have occurred to me that it was ok to say that I feel frustrated or even angry sometimes.
    Elaina,
    You are a very special girl and are very blessed to be in a great family. Keep sharing and writing! Siblings have a very unique view and it’s important to get you feelings out, both good and bad. I love that you are very open in talking and praying about your mom’s depression as well. If you ever need to have a sibling talk – you know where I am. 🙂 Love you.
    -Sarah Gray 🙂

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  17. Elaina,
    I think it is very brave of you to share your feelings about your mom and sisters. I have an 11 year old son, and a two year old daughter that has Down syndrome. He loves her very much, but I’m sure it is hard for him to deal with some of the things that go along with it. I enjoyed hearing your persepctive! Your mom must be very proud of you. Keep writing!

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  19. Miss Elaina – thank you so much for sharing your voice! I often imagine what Justice will say about life with our Ella has he grows to understand more about Down syndrome. It warms my heart to know that he has you (and Zoya) leading the way down that path. Our family misses having all of you closer to us!

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  20. way to go String Bean!!! I am sooooo proud of you for getting your feelings out there! I hope you keep writing here, or keep a journal at home. Sometimes we forget the things from our past, and its important to remember!! Thanks for sharing, it made my morning. love you sweets!!

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  21. Laine, I know I’m family, but you did a wonderful job. I think you might have found a calling. Little Gram would have been proud of you 🙂

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  22. Elaina, you did a wonderful job as guest host on your mom’s blog. We have alot of similar things happening in our family too. I also have a daughter Elaina…but she spells her name Elayna. She is almost 10 yrs old. She also has a sibling with Ds. His name is Danny and he just turned 7. My daughter Elayna and her brother get along…..sometimes :). I also understand your mom having depression because I too have had some bouts with it. I love your honesty and I really enjoyed reading your blog post. You should write more soon :).

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  23. Hi Elaina,

    I enjoyed reading your post. Thank you for sharing your feelings. It’s soothing to read that it’s ok to freak out. We are all learning how to deal with life because no human being is the same. There is no manual for us to follow. You are not alone someone will always be with you through everything.

    Sincerely,
    Nancy

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  24. Great job Elaina! I love your writing! I love your description of Evie being fascinated with her reflection singing! That was a great light-hearted touch. Depression runs in my family – aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc. My sister suffered from a severed case as well. It is more common than people realize – and I’m glad for all of the people, like you, who make it ok to talk about.

    Sincerely, your mom’s friend, Steph

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