Dear Nichole,

Today is Down syndrome day. A day you might be tempted to believe was created specifically for you, because you have Down syndrome, and because sometimes you think the world revolves around you. You’ve been telling us it will be your birthday so you want cake and presents. Sweet girl I’m afraid this day is not just about you. Actually, I think this day is about me too, and you dad, and your sisters, and all the people that love you, because you came into this world ready to capture our hearts and change us forever.

I’m not the same mom I was before you came into my life. I’m convinced I am a better mom to your sisters because of you. You helped me let go of those crazy expectations I had for my kids, and to understand what it means to love unconditionally. You opened my eyes to the vulnerable, and you have fueled me with a passion to stand up with them, to fight with them, to speak up. Because of you, I hope to make a difference.

Because of you, I am passionate to see churches embrace disability.

And there is your daddy. You have him wrapped around your crooked little finger, you know it, you use it to your advantage. You are truly daddy’s little girl and so many times I feel jealous. It’s the truth, yet I love the relationship you have with him so much. I love watching the two of you together.

Because of you and your beautiful life – brimmed with value and purpose – we chose to adopt another child with a disability.

I have watched your oldest sister grow up as a sibling of someone with a disability, I see how you have changed her heart. She is not a typical child, not one bit, she has more love and compassion than most kids her age. I am amazed at how much she wants to be a part of your world, and how she looks forward to the day when she can help families with younger kids with Down syndrome, volunteer at Joni and Friends family retreats, and share with the world how much you have impacted her life. The relationship you two have is far greater than anything I ever imagined.

And I have watched your sister – who has cerebral palsy and trauma from years spent at an orphanage – struggle to be her own advocate, or speak up for herself, yet she will come to your rescue and speak up for you, stand up for you. You might not realize this yet, but you are helping her find her voice so she can use it for herself too. I see the special connection the two of you have, and how you truly are one of her best friends. You make all the difference in Nina’s life, you are her constant, someone she can be completely herself with. She does not have to be strong, she does not have to pretend, you are a gift to her.

And so we celebrate Down syndrome day.

It was so hard to deal with your diagnosis. But you know what? Your diagnosis was hard because there was a lot of me that needed to change, and facing my own brokenness was painful, humbling, but oh so necessary.

And look at us now! You’re not a baby anymore, you are an eight year old girl in second grade. We know enough to confirm our suspicions that this journey would not be easy, but we also know enough to proclaim to the world that this life is good, and that you are an incredible blessing in our lives, and we are madly in love with you.

I watch how you touch lives around you, how you show and spread love. I witness the power of love breaking down walls, and I recognize it because I am direct recipient of that love.

If you only knew how your smile affects me, how much of my heart you hold in your hand.

I have no greatest treasure than my family, and you are a most precious jewel in my life.

So this is a day we remember the inexplicable love that entered into our lives, this one-of-a-kind love that I didn’t know existed. How is it that I was so scared to love you when you were born, yet now my heart burst with this fierce love I have for you?

The kind of love that says, “I will live for you, and I would die for you.”

And I will my sweet princess, I will.

Editor’s note: Down syndrome day is celebrated on 3/21 because there are three copies of the 21st chromosome. To learn more about Down syndrome, check out 31 Facts About Down Syndrome and don’t forget to connect on Facebook.