One Cruel Message Nearly Ruined My Morning

Then a Room Full of Children Reminded Me Why Kindness Still Wins

Today reminded me that God is still writing a beautiful story through Willow’s life — even on the days that begin with hurt.

This morning started with a weight I didn’t expect. I opened my phone and saw yet another cruel message from a stranger. Words typed carelessly, without knowing us, without seeing the child they were speaking about. For a moment, my heart felt heavy. The kind of heavy that settles quietly and makes you question why you keep showing up at all.

But God didn’t let me stay there.

A Gentle Redirection

I headed to Willow’s school to help with an assembly about Down syndrome, carrying that heaviness with me. I didn’t know it yet, but God was already preparing a reminder — soft, steady, and exactly what I needed.

The children gathered and watched a video explaining what Down syndrome truly is. Not something to fear. Not something to pity. But something to understand, respect, and cherish.

Then something happened that I will never forget.

Tiny Hands, Enormous Love

Every child stood up.

And together, they signed the song “A Million Dreams.”

Row after row of tiny hands moved in unison — clumsy, sincere, full of effort and love. No mockery. No hesitation. Just children choosing kindness when they were given truth.

Tears filled my eyes. It felt holy.

In that moment, it was impossible not to feel God’s presence — a quiet whisper saying, Keep going. I am with you.

Where Kindness Is Still Being Planted

There is so much goodness in this world. So much kindness being planted in young hearts when parents and teachers choose compassion over fear, and truth over ignorance.

Yes, there will always be people who choose cruelty. Voices that try to reduce a child to a diagnosis or a stereotype. But days like today remind me that love still wins when it’s taught. Light still shines when people are willing to listen.

The Rooms I Never Expected to Enter

I never imagined that having a child with Down syndrome would lead me into rooms like this — rooms where hearts are softened, perspectives are shifted, and God uses Willow’s life in ways far bigger than I could have planned.

Sitting in that assembly, I felt overwhelmed with gratitude.

God didn’t make a mistake with her.
He crafted her with intention.
He entrusted her to us with purpose.

Why I Keep Showing Up

There are days I question why I stay on social media at all — when the voices of trolls feel so loud and unrelenting. But then God gives me days like this. Days that remind me He is using our story, even when it feels vulnerable or exhausting.

I will not let a handful of unkind voices silence the testimony He is building.

So I will keep sharing.
Keep showing up.
Keep speaking truth over fear and love over ignorance.

Not for applause.
Not for attention.

But for Willow — and for the God who trusted me to walk this journey with her.