Trista is gold. She is vulnerable in her relationships and brave in her endeavors. She is determined with a side of humility and grace. She has in fact become a mentor to both my girls (hip hop and Down syndrome for Macy; business boss lady for Tru) and a dear, dear friend of mine. She has invited us into her life, like family, and she and her family are exactly that to me.

Thirty years later, Trista and I traveled for a girl’s weekend, and it was one of the top five trips of my life. Trista was giving a presentation about her role as CEO of Trista’s Sunshine Company. Naturally her presentation was a great success and we met many amazing like-minded people. But the best part of the trip for me was spending time with Trista.

Not all people with Down syndrome can live on their own. Like other obstacles placed in front of Trista and her family, she systematically addressed what she needed to do until she was able to accomplish the dream of living on her own.

She’s always looked out for me, her baby sister. When I was growing up, she made my lunches, cheered the loudest for me at all my volleyball games and made sure I was the best I could be.

Growing up with a sister like Trista was not always easy (read above). As the middle child – (Trista is 3 years older) I already struggled with inferiority complexes and lack of attention, then add-on having Trista as that older sibling and I was a full on case of teenage angst. But even in my time of turmoil - Trista still showed up and cheered at every one of my basketball games, dance recitals and theater showcases – always giving the perfect words of consolation or celebration – just like any “typical” older sibling would do.

The nurses suggested I bottle feed her. I was determined to breastfeed even though it was not going well. It was our first mother-daughter battle. She turned her head away from me every time I would try to help her latch. I kept trying to force her and she kept denying. Tears of sadness and determination mixed together on my chest. 

Favorite things about yourself:

I love to be a leader. I love to travel. I love to travel to give presentations. I would love to fly first class. I love to be the CEO of my company (Trista’s Sunshine Company) and to live on my own. I love to have my own place and house rules. I love to make my own schedule.