TEXARKANA MAGAZINE
Mallory, at age 6, with her older sister, Ally (9), and newborn brother, Daniel.
was not something the family expected, it has turned out to be an eternal blessing. “The last eight years have been absolutely amazing for our family,” Kristi said. “Mallory was the perfect addition. I wish I could have told that to myself when we were starting out—to just have faith and trust God through this process. It is hard to believe I ever felt so emotionally defeated when she was born. Now, looking back, I see God placed her in our lives at the perfect time; doesn’t He always? Through Mallory, I have learned so much. She has taught me that the fear of the unknown is okay. Ultimately, we are not in control of anything or anyone, which strengthens my faith and trust in God. Sure, there are some moments of stress and anxiety, but Mallory genuinely loves life, and she lives it to the fullest. She loves everyone unconditionally and judges no one. And anyone who knows her knows she is the life of the party, and will give you the biggest hugs when you need them.” A normal day for Mallory includes attending all-inclusive classes at James Bowie Elementary, where she has been enrolled since Pre-K. She has a great group of friends who have loved and supported her since day one. She receives speech therapy and occupational therapy through the school district with “wonderful therapists” who have also been with Mallory since the beginning. She is currently in second grade, in a classroom “where she is loved,” according to her grateful mother. “She is pulled out for reading and math because she needs just a little extra help in those subjects… They say it takes a village, and I could not ask for a better village for Mallory,” Kristi said.
In the 1980s, October was designated Down Syndrome Awareness Month. It is a time to celebrate people with Down syndrome and recognize all their exceptional abilities and accomplishments. Locally, the Texarkana Down Syndrome Society helps connect and support the families of those with Down syndrome. They host events throughout the year to bring families together to celebrate their loved ones. This year, on October 8, from 10:00 am-2:00 pm, they will be “Rockin’ That Extra Chromosome” through a free event that will include a fun day of activities, music, cotton candy, and, of course, the Awareness Walk. Mallory’s team of supporters at this year’s walk will be known as Mal’s Pals and will each be sporting t-shirts with the verse from Psalm 139:14 that says, “I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” It is the perfect declaration to describe these precious souls with Down syndrome who bring such joy and love to those they meet. It is our differences that teach us and help us grow, and just like Mallory’s family, if we let it, looking at life through the eyes of a person with Down syndrome can teach us all so much. “Mallory is such a blessing, and she has such a beautiful soul. Through her,” Kristi said, “I have learned how to really love and accept everyone. She ultimately changed my perspective on life. She has shown me how to love unconditionally and to go with the flow. When I see things through Mallory’s eyes, I see the way God wants us to be, living with joy, loving passionately, and dancing like nobody is watching. (And those who know Mallory know she loves to dance!) Wouldn’t the world be a better place if we all had some of that in us?”
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COMMUNITY & CULTURE
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