Assalamu Alaikum - Trying to give my little brother a normal childhood feels impossible
Assalamu Alaikum. A month ago was my little brother’s birthday. I tried to make it special: invited some kids from his class and even his aunt. No one came. Not a single person. The only guest was a younger boy from his class. He’s really smart, super kind, and honestly the only one who treats my brother like a normal kid rather than focusing on his condition. Since that day my brother keeps asking when he can have a phone or something to play games on so he can feel like the other kids. It hurts because I can’t just buy him things other kids take for granted. I live with my 9-year-old brother who has cerebral palsy, and it’s basically just the two of us. I work six days a week, ten-hour shifts, and barely make enough for food and rent. I try to do everything I can so he feels included and happy, but it often feels like it’s never enough. Kids at school bully him - for the way he speaks, the clothes he wears, even the fact he doesn’t have parents around. It breaks my heart that I can’t shield him from everything, no matter how hard I try. Some days it’s overwhelming. Lately I’ve been having dark thoughts, feeling like I’m failing him even though I know I’m giving my all. I just want him to smile, even if just for a little while. I’m looking for advice or encouragement. How do you keep going when you feel like you’re doing everything you can and it still isn’t enough? Any duas, practical tips, or small ideas to make him feel special would mean a lot. JazakAllah khair for reading.