“Parker has a magnetic way about her that draws people in,” says her mom, Elizabeth. She loves being in big open spaces for twirling and walking in circles while listening to her favorite music. Music is in her soul, and she is constantly singing, often knowing more words to songs than her dad.
She is mesmerized by fish in the aquarium, loves boat rides with her grandparents, and started swim lessons last summer. She also loves snuggling up with a good book—or twenty!
Parker’s parents have found that giving her the language “This feels hard, but I can do it,” helps her move through challenges. Her favorite show, Daniel Tiger, has helped her learn how to express her feelings, and she will often sing to herself “it’s okay to feel sad sometimes,” a song from the show.
Her mom wants the world to know that Parker’s diagnosis of Down syndrome does not make her less, and she is inspired to see that Parker does not try to hide herself from the world. Parker knows she has a voice and is not afraid to use it.
“Parker is so sweet with some undeniable spice!” beams her mom. Parker shows those she loves lots of affection, especially when someone appears sad or hurt. Her parents feel that she has shaped them into versions of themselves they may not have known otherwise and feel lucky to be forever changed.