A girl of inspiration...

This beautiful girl is my niece Kaitlyn.

Kaitlyn is my oldest niece and I have a little bit of extra bondness of love with this girl. When I was 20 years old...she was born. I have always loved this girl so much as I was her babysitter when mom and dad had to work. I would dress her up everyday, do her hair cute, take her shopping and show her off! Yep, she was my first niece and I spoiled her with lots of kisses and hugs! I feel so fortunate to of had the close bonding time with her, that may be why I feel so connected to her today! I don't get to see her all that much just because she is busy and I am now busy with my 3 little ones...but when she opens up to me, like she did tonight, there is that closeness I feel again, like I did 14 years ago.

Kaitlyn is special and yes, I am going to brag a little about her. I have other nieces and nephews that are awesome too but for right now, I am focusing on her. She is beautiful inside and out and has a heart of gold. She is such an example to so many and I am so proud of her role she has taken. She wrote a message to me tonight on FB to tell me that I am an inspiration to her and our little boy Brayden has taught her so much. Because of Brayden and him having Down syndrome, she feels she has changed as a person. Coming from a 14 year girl means so much. Kaitlyn is very involved with the latest trends, high technology things, cheer, running, friends, shopping, but yet takes time out of her day at school to stop by and say "hi" to AJ....AJ is a 8th grader with Down syndrome. AJ loves to see Kaitlyn and gives her a big hug when he does. She talks with AJ and plays basketball or jumps rope with him. She takes time out of her busy time and social time with her friends to make AJ's day! When she told me this, tears welled up. What a true example to so many she is being. The other day as she was visiting with AJ, a few other peers were making fun of him and she turned around, walked up to these peers and said", how would you feel if someone made fun of you? You don't know him...his name is AJ. He loves to play basketball and jump rope and he is more ALIKE us than different. So if you don't have anything nice to say, please don't say anything at all." Wow! Kaitlyn told me a couple of years ago, she probably wouldn't of done this...not because she didn't care back then, but because she truly knows how special people are with Down syndrome and she wants to bring awareness to more people her age and make a difference.

She is the first one to run up to Brayden when our family gets together and spends quality time with him doing whatever he wants to do. She is the first one to ask me what milestones he is working on? She wants to be involved and wants to help organizations to raise awareness! She wears her Down syndrome Buddywalk t-shirts with pride...this totally hip, beautiful teenager making a difference! Why wouldn't I be proud? She just told me tonight that she wrote a short report about Brayden and our Family...I can not wait to read it! She thanks God for her wonderful family and for bringing Brayden into our family! How does that make me feel? WONDERFUL! She wants to teach others that we are ALL special in our own ways...

There is a local High school forming a club called Club 321....This club will give everyone a chance to make new friends and enjoy some social events together. I told Kaitlyn about this girl starting this club and she right away emailed the girl and wants to learn about it to possibly start at her high school next year.

It is just amazing to me to see what an impact Brayden has made on others than myself, husband and children. Kaitlyn ....you are truly an inspiration as well to so many around you! You follow those dreams you have...they will come true...just like you said, "with Faith and determination, anything is possible." Thanks for being you! and thanks for our conversation tonight! LOVE you girl!