Congratulations to Grand Prize Winner Nancy A. from Illinois.
My name is Nancy. I am a single mother of a 5 year old Autistic Daughter. What motivates me? She does. Not only is she my own child that God has provided me with but she is my heart walking outside of my body. She is the most unique, artistic and most talented little girl I’ve ever met and I am so incredibly blessed to care for. Things can get messy and challenging with caring for a child of special needs but it’s also the most rewarding thing a mother can experience.
She loves to sing and dance and although she’s non verbal, her little hums and babbles are music to my ears. She claps when she’s excited and she makes it known she’s overjoyed when she flaps her arms around. She is the most special person.
She can draw and paint better than any artist I know. I’m amazed at how she can do math in her head better than a college graduate. I am stunned at how much she can read at just 5 years old. She can’t hold up a conversation, but when she reads out loud, I tear up as I pretend that she’s actually talking to me.
She is bouncy just like her curls. She enjoys pizza and desserts. Her favorite thing to do is make silly faces in front of a reflecting glass or mirror. She is obsessed with Sesame Street and can recite every single episode. She goes with the beat of her own drums and is not ashamed of who she is or how she is labeled to be. She encourages me to get up every morning to keep going. She motivates me to sing and dance no matter how off tune I am with the beat. We can all learn a thing or two from Little Miss Ariel.
