Claire F, age 7
Photograph by Karly Richardson (2022)
Love is patient, love is kind. Claire demonstrates these traits every day. Her family says she has taught them about forgiveness and perseverance. People notice the joy Claire brings to life. “When you are around someone demonstrating all of these things, it’s hard to feel sad or angry” says her mom, Meredith.
One of Claire’s favorite things to do is reading—morning, noon, and night—something she was not expected to be able to do. She also loves to play with Barbies, swing, watch Disney movies, and eat pizza. When it is time to go out, she is all about fun and new adventures! She is capable and rises to the occasion when given the chance. Diagnosed with Down syndrome, Claire should not be underestimated even though she may need more help than others. Her family says she is extraordinary.
“I hope the world will give my child or any child who has an extra ability a chance—I hope inclusion is becoming universal” says her mom. “Claire is very joyful, compassionate, and content. There is a lot to be learned about contentment in a world where everything is more, more, more.”
El amor es paciente, el amor es amable. Claire demuestra estos rasgos cada día. Su familia dice que les ha enseñado sobre el perdón y la perseverancia. La gente se da cuenta de la alegría que Claire aporta a la vida. “Cuando estás cerca de alguien que demuestra todas estas cosas, es difícil sentirse triste o enfadado”, dice su madre, Meredith.
Una de las cosas que más le gustan a Claire es leer -mañana, tarde y noche-, algo que no se esperaba que pudiera hacer. También le gusta jugar con Barbies, columpiarse, ver películas de Disney y comer pizza. Cuando llega el momento de salir, es todo diversión y nuevas aventuras. Es capaz y está a la altura de las circunstancias cuando se le da la oportunidad. Diagnosticada con síndrome de Down, no hay que subestimar a Claire, aunque pueda necesitar más ayuda que otros. Su familia dice que es extraordinaria.
“Espero que el mundo dé una oportunidad a mi hijo o a cualquier niño que tenga una capacidad extra; espero que la inclusión se convierta en algo universal”, dice su madre. “Claire es muy alegre, compasiva y contenta. Hay mucho que aprender sobre el contentamiento en un mundo donde todo es más, más, más”.
Family Connection of South Carolina provides services and resources to families who have a child with a disability or specialized healthcare need. Since 1990 we have served more than 100,000 families and today our services are needed more than ever. We focus on parent-to-parent support, guidance with navigating the complex healthcare system, and assistance with school meetings and special education plans.
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