Hannah - A Very Special Little Girl

The last couple of days have been full of surprises, as Janice and her daughter, Hannah have been holidaying with us. Hannah has been absolutely delightful, and is becoming a beautifully natured young lady who captivates and steals people's ♥♥♥.

This young girl has Down's syndrome. I really don't want to dwell on this because she is far more than that. I really dislike labels, as they don't tell you about the nature or the mental capacity of the individual, but it's important to the story that I'm about to tell.

We first met Janice and Hannah when both Janice and I were breastfeeding, and as the children grew, so did our friendship. Hannah grew and when we were living in Tumby Bay the last time, Hannah was a very strong and very determined little girl. My most vivid memory is of Janice visiting, and Hannah sitting next to our bedroom, holding on to the door handle with me trying (very unsuccessfully) to prise her hands off the door handle, and when I achieved this, she plonked herself down and refused to budge. Do you think that I could move her - not a chance?

This very same little girl is now the young lady who came to visit with us, and she is growing into such a delightful young lady. She can now read fluently, her manners are absolutely impeccable and she has an extraordinary memory.

Today we have played Kelly pool, which is a challenge for most adults to remember what ball they have, but Hannah remembered easily. After several games of Kelly pool, we played Fish, and again her memory came into play, as she reminded us that her dad taught her to play Fish. When I spoke to Janice about this, she remarked that it was many years ago, but yes, her dad definitely did teach her to play Fish.

Next, we played Concentration, where you turn up two cards trying to find pairs, and her memory absolutely astounded me. She won hands down, and my daughter is no slouch at playing this game, either. These skills have been learned, and who taught them - her mum, with the help of a very special team around her. Hannah also attends a Christian school, and you can really see God's hand on her.

The two girls have had a wonderful time this weekend, cuddling the goat kids and spending time with the adult goats, but it has been the time that we have spent together that I have thoroughly enjoyed the most. Hannah is truly a credit to her mum, who has now been clear from cancer for three months, but it can't have been easy for her, having cancer and trying to bring Hannah up in the nurture of the Lord. Praise God that He was there beside her, guiding and comforting her in her times of trial.

I have thoroughly enjoyed re-meeting Hannah, spending time with her and really getting to know her, the real her and not just a name that describes a condition that she has. Hannah - a very special young lady, who is welcome here, anytime, and who has captured our ♥♥♥. Hannah, we love you!