Her name was Katie. She had down syndrome and she was a dear friend of mine in early elementary. We always played together at the park at recess. We’d swing on the swing set together. However, one day she just wasn’t there. From my understanding, she was taken to a different school to better accommodate her needs. I sometimes wonder what became of her. I pray wherever she is today that she’s well and happy.  

As a society we have come a long way in embracing each other’s differences in how God created us. Not one more special than the other, but all made with a purpose. All just as priceless as the next person. All just as valuable to society, one another and especially God; each in our unique way.  All loved beyond comprehension by God.

I guess I’m writing this to continue to encourage us all to love one another, even through differences, uniqueness and however it may be that God created us.  For we all have something wonderful to offer one another. Katie was different, but wonderfully so. She gifted me the gift of a special friendship. Friend, may we embrace each other, as God created us. Loving one another for who we are. As God created us. For like flowers in a garden, each one adding more beauty just as they are, we too all add more beauty in the world.

Erin Fitts-Brower 

Psalm 139:14 NIV

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.