Piercen, You Make Me Better

Our little girl’s Down syndrome diagnosis was confirmed when I was about 25 weeks pregnant with her. I spent the rest of my pregnancy trying to find out as much as I possibly could about Down syndrome, as I did not know anyone else with the diagnosis or have any resources at the time. I didn’t really know where to go. I was very fortunate to stumble upon Jack’s Basket, and about a month before Piercen Darlene was born, I received our basket. I remember thinking how amazing it was to have people in this broken world who just wanted to help others; people who simply joined this organization to help others not feel alone, send them Down syndrome resources, and even reach out to them with a phone call to check in. It is truly amazing.

Some of my favorite items I received, other than the supportive resources, handouts, and books, were the baby board books, baby toy, and “You Make Me Better” bracelet. “You’re Here for a Reason” is the sweetest board book that just touched my soul, and I am so thankful to have it. Since having Piercen, we have read it many, many times. The toy that came in the basket was one of Piercen’s favorites (so much that we had to buy another one to keep at the grandparents’ house!).

My absolute favorite item was the bracelet. When I first opened it up and read the words “you make me better,” I did not fully appreciate it. I read it at 36 weeks pregnant, and I did not think much of it. Fast-forward to Piercen now being 14 months old, and I wear that bracelet any chance I get. It is so hard to explain or put into words without actually going through the journey. But somehow, at the end of the day, this little girl does make me want to be better. She makes me want to do and be better in all aspects of life.

-Catherine, Piercen’s Mom (Illinois)