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Our Special Girl

February 28, 2021 12 Comments

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It’s a deliberate act, switching off the lights to bring in the cake. The joy on her face glows brighter in candlelight.

Those first couple of years she couldn’t shape her lips and blow, but in time she learned. Each of the ten candles today marks a road less travelled, every step hand in hand with her extra chromosome, her companion for life.

Where once the candles were lit partly in mourning—a grace to the child that never was—today they blaze and dance like the child herself, singing “Happy Birthday to me!” at the top of her glorious voice.

By Audrey Niven

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Peggy Gerber says

    February 28, 2021 at 9:25 am

    Beautiful story.

    Reply
  2. Derek says

    February 28, 2021 at 10:11 am

    This is the best story I have read recently. Very good and thoughtful.

    Reply
  3. Lisa C. says

    February 28, 2021 at 12:01 pm

    Such a poignant and lovely story.

    Reply
  4. Kim M. says

    February 28, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    This is a wonderful story. You have conveyed the struggles and joy beautifully.

    Reply
  5. Shoshauna says

    February 28, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    Amazing and beautiful story. One of the best 101 stories yet!

    Reply
  6. Charmie says

    March 1, 2021 at 12:10 pm

    Wow! This is really a wonderful story. Hope to read more of your stories soon… Aubrey

    Reply
  7. toby newall says

    March 1, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    A perfect snapshot Audrey that captures so much of the bigger picture.

    Reply
  8. Lindsay Bamfield says

    March 1, 2021 at 10:22 pm

    Such a lovely story – with so much packed into so few words. Bravo!

    Reply
  9. I.R.Pathak says

    March 4, 2021 at 10:48 am

    Fascinating expression, Audrey.

    Reply
  10. Lydiaq says

    March 7, 2021 at 9:28 pm

    Beautiful, especially to anyone with a disabled sibling. Meaningful. Thank you!

    Reply
  11. BB says

    March 12, 2021 at 9:43 pm

    I have a child with missing and extra chromosomes. This got me in my all the feels.

    Reply
    • BB says

      March 12, 2021 at 9:46 pm

      Ack! The leftover word in switching sentence structure. Wish I could edit it. Sorry, all.

      Reply

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