I sat behind a beautiful little girl at Mass last Thursday. It was the feast of the Annunciation when we celebrate the Incarnation of the Savior and recall God's great gift to Mary whom Gabriel calls "full of grace" because she was spared from original sin. I've seen this young one many times before, but don't know her name. She has long blonde hair, blue eyes and a peaches and cream complexion. She also has Downs Syndrome. The innocence and goodness that radiates from this little child almost creates a glow around her.
The tragedy is that our world considers these little ones a curse and about 90 percent of those affected by Downs are murdered before their birth days. So when I see testimonies to these precious children recognizing what gifts from God they are, I want to share them.
Little Nella Cordelia was born in January. Like all parents who dream for their children, her parents had to mourn the loss of their expectations and plans for the dream child and create new ones for the real child. Judging from her mom's website, she recognizes that it will be an exciting journey although different from the one she expected. Visit Kelle Hampton's website to share her beautiful birth story. If you know someone who gets the diagnosis of a handicapped baby in utero, share Kelle's story and assure them that God doesn't make mistakes. Life is hard, but true love makes it a joy.
