Our Special Gift

Photo Credit - Amy Edwards

I remember it as if it were yesterday. March thirtieth, nineteen-ninety-two. It was the day my oldest niece, Kacee Leann Chesney, was born. I was at work and I was telling everyone that I was going to be an Aunt. I was so excited. The doctors came into my brother and his wife's hospital room to tell them that Kacee had an extra chromosome. It's called Trisomy 21 or Down Syndrome.

Peggy, Kacee's mom, has a first cousin who also has the extra chromosome. But, our side of the family really didn't know what to expect. 

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalms 139:14 NIV

Twenty-nine days shy of Kacee's third birthday, her mother was killed in an automobile accident. I still don't understand why it had to happen. My mom and I helped my brother take care of Kacee until he re-married. In John 16:33 the Bible says, "I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth, you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” God never said that life would be easy but He will be there to walk through each day with us. 

Kacee is now thirty years old. I can't imagine life without her or her siblings. She has two siblings, Alora (age twenty-four) and Gabriel (age twenty-three). Kacee is so sweet and keeps us laughing all the time. She brings us so much joy. Alora and Gabe help take really great care of her. In James 1:17 the Bible says "Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. These three are perfect gifts from above.

Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.”

Matthew 19:14 NIV

Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 5:18 NIV

Photo Credit - Vachel Ping