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.