The Macclaren Series 4/4: Mackaella, Sister

THE MACCLAREN SERIES 4/4: Mackaella, Sister

I’ve never seen so many college kids go wilder than they did when Macclaren hit the last cup in pong. Her syndrome might be down, but her flex is all the way up. Yes, I brought my younger sister to frat parties when she came to sleepover at my dorm. Everyone else did the same when their siblings came to visit and Macclaren has never been any different in my eyes. If I was going out with friends, she was coming. Needed a buddy to go on a Dunkin’ run? Macclaren, get your shoes on! God only gave me one little sister and I wasn’t going to miss the opportunity to make her my built-in best friend. Growing up, my parents always made sure my sisters and I had all that we needed, but the best gift they ever gave me was my sisters. We all knew that it might take Macclaren a bit longer to do things, but there was never a doubt in any of our minds that she would get there in the end. We taught her things like how to hit a softball or how to build a blanket fort, and she taught us patience as she accidentally hit us with the bat or knocked all the blankets over trying and trying again until she was successful. Her determination and perseverance is and has always been admirable and inspiring. No matter how many times she gets knocked down, Macclaren bounces back with her contagious smile, which rarely leaves her face. She is even going to college now, making her mark as a student athlete, just like her three older sisters. She has had such an impact on all of her big sisters’ lives, which is even why one of our older sisters chose Occupational Therapy as her career path. Because of Macclaren, my sisters and I have become advocates for people with disabilities, hoping to educate others and continue to spread inclusivity and acceptance. The world needs more of the unconditional love.

📷: csphotographynj

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