THE JAMES SERIES 2/4: Sally, Mom

(THE JAMES SERIES 2/4: Sally, Mom)

It was my first pregnancy. A surprise in and of itself to both of us. We found soft markers of Down syndrome during the first sonogram, and it was later confirmed to be a 98% guarantee by the time I reached 14 weeks gestation. For many, a diagnosis like this is upsetting. For me, someone who had been asking God for signs of where my future was heading, it was a blessing. This is not to say that shock and concern of exploring new territory didn’t take place, but I accepted this gift as a sign of the greater good that would soon encompass my family. In a world where traditional standards rule so many, I saw this as an opportunity to create my own path, set new standards, and embrace fear to create change.



Being blessed with James as my firstborn gave me an opportunity to step into my own, to put my full faith in God’s journey, and to slow down and fully embrace the present. James arrived the day after the world shut down in 2020. I’ve always said that the world stopped to get a full glimpse of the light and goodness he was bringing.

As an artist, I am constantly inspired by my surroundings, and I’ve found that my work has evolved monumentally because of my sons. James inspired my first art exhibition in May 2022 called “Upstream”. Through schools of minnows, I was able to show a coherently diversified and beautiful school with each member playing a specific role in the betterment of our world. The major takeaway was the importance of inclusion and opening the conversation about disabilities.

James has taught me many things in the short time he has joined us earth-side, but my greatest joy is knowing that he’s my kin. I’m honored and so proud that I get a front row seat to watch him change hearts and minds while erasing the stigma on what’s possible for those with disabilities.

#TheLuckyFew #TheLuckyFewFoundation #DownSyndrome #ThisIsDownSyndrome