“Aware of, and ultimately embracing my own “difference” from others, I’ve come to claim the distinction: Beautifully Broken. We all are. Every one. In different places and different ways. But beautifully. Perhaps that explains the deep bond and connection I’ve always felt with my beautiful granddaughter Nella. She has so seamlessly slid into my heart. She has taught me so much, for I began this journey ignorant and uninformed.

I can say now, I’ve forgotten what I feared and she has blown the lid off all the limits I thought she’d live with. She is not defined by a syndrome, and I am not perpetually aware of her difference. I honestly forget chromosome counts and Simian creases—she is my vibrant, curious, kind and independent granddaughter who takes her place among the rest and daily proves she can do all things I once thought she would not. She is brave and bold, loves new challenges and overcoming barriers. I thought I’d need to lead and protect her, instead, I’ve learned, I need to stand back, let go, and applaud. It’s so different than I imagined—she can do great things! And she is.”

#Rubyandnellasbigadventure #dsam #rubysrainbow #theluckyfew #downsyndromeawareness #kellehampton #downsyndrome #downsyndromeawareness #downsyndromerocks #nothingdownaboutit