We live in a small town in rural Iowa, population about 3,000. Right now in our town, there are 4 people with DS: my daughter (11.5 months)Emeline; a little girl, about a year older, named Emily; and then two older girls, Amber and Nikki. Amber graduated from HS three years ago, and Nikki graduated this past year. Amber and Nikki are the best of friends, and can often be seen around town together. When I turned onto my street today, after taking Emeline to PT, I had the most amazing sight.

There directly in front of my house, were Amber and Nikki. They were walking down the street, with their arms around each other. They'd go two or three steps, and then they'd stop, and laugh and laugh and LAUGH, and hug each other, before starting off again. Then, two or three more steps, and the same thing repeated itself all over again: hugs, laughter, and a few more steps. I was just overwhelmed at the blessing of seeing them enjoy each other SO MUCH. Wow. It touched my heart in a way I can't even put into words.

Poor Emeline, I grabbed her car seat out of the car and RAN into the house. I wanted to get my camera so you all could see what I saw. Sorry the pics aren't that great, but by the time I got back outside, they had gone a little farther down the street. Maybe this is a goofy post, but I got the biggest thrill out of seeing them so happy, and so full of love for life, and just having fun being together.

To me, it was a gift straight from heaven. I can only pray that Emeline will be so blessed to have a friend (or many friends) like that in her life as she gets older.

That is so sweet! I hope the same kind of loving and respectful friendship for my Sadie as well as my other three girls. I guess as a mom- we hope all of our children will find friends who will love them for who they are!!!

Awwww, Barbie- that IS the sweetest!

That makes my heart smile

Barbie, thank you so much for this post. I have a huge smile on my face. I pray so often that Justin will have a real friend soon that he will be able to buddy with. What a sweet story that these two girls have shared in their joyous friendship.

That just tickled me. I have been struggling a bit lately with Hannah and how slowly she is progressing in school. I finally have come to terms with it and just realized she is who she is. To me I don't care that she will never be a rocket scientist. I just want her to be happy with her life.Hannah has a good friend with DS now and her mom and I hope they will always be friends.These pictures are what I want Hannah's life to be. Just happy.Thanks for sharing.

Awww, that is just the sweetest thing! I'm laughing just picturing you running outside trying to take pictures of them!! Thanks for the post...I hope all of our kids have friendships like this!

I completely understand why you were so moved here!!! Those two are darling!! I have the same hopes, like we all do. Here in my small town (1600 people) there is a young boy just a few months older than AJ who has Ds. Their family also sends their kids to the Catholic school like we do. It gives me hope for the two of them being close friends.

Thanks for sharing this, Barbie, And I'm enjoying the thought of you running for the camera too!!!

Ibby

I LOVE IT!!!! THANKS FOR GETTING THE CAMERA!!!! THIS MAKES MY HEART HAPPY TODAY!!!!

Oh WOW! That is awesome, what a beautiful gift to have the opportunity to see that. Amazing girls (all around). Thank you for the post, the pictures did my heart good today

Oh Barbie that is very sweet! I am glad you were blessed to have them in front of you to witness such a sweet thing!!!

A.

So inspiring, Barbie! Thanks for sharing, made me smile too.

what neat picture barbie!! THANKS FOR SHARING!!