Sibling Love
From the archives — originally posted August 19, 2026
There is something a little different about growing up as the sibling of a child with special needs. You learn things that many of us don't experience until much later in life. You learn patience. You develop an incredible instinct to love, nurture, protect, and advocate for another person. You experience a kind of unconditional love and connection that is truly special. Your childhood may look a little different than someone else's, but it can also shape your heart in beautiful ways.
I absolutely LOVE when siblings come along to the Upsides calendar shoots. Over the years, I just had the privilege of watching my Upsides models grow up—I've gotten to watch their siblings grow up right alongside them. And I've had a front-row seat to their relationships…including the very real sibling interactions that are loving most of the time 😂.
Gabriel is one of Noel's handsome, amazing brothers, and I have had the joy of watching him grow up over the years. I was so happy to see him join us at the calendar shoot back in August! ❤️
These relationships are such a beautiful part of what makes the Upsides calendar so special to me.
And a HUGE thank you to McGill Rose Garden for allowing us to use your beautiful space this year!
✨ Filling in the gaps! This favorite lived only on social media — now it's getting its forever home on the New Chapters blog.
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