Kennedy Marie Randle has made an impact on my life. You know the kind of mark that someone leaves that is so impressionable that you couldn’t forget even if you tried? That’s what Kennedy has proven to be for me. She has taught me so much in our short summers that we spend together as she continues to defy odds with every breath she takes.

On August 10, 2005, Kennedy came into the world immersed in a life that what would be normal for her but in circumstances that would surely set her apart; her extra chromosome. Kennedy is blessed with loving parents who continue to care and love her to this day, along with so many other key figures in her life who cherish her completely.

In many ways, I believe me and Miss Kennedy were meant for each other, (I probably needed her way more than she needed me.) Becoming her babysitter is something that many could say happened by chance, but I believe God joint us together with divine purpose.

Who knew a twelve year old could teach you so much? We’ve spent many days together and each one provides a unique adventure. Whether we are braving the morning line at Tudors Biscuit World (where she only wants to go if she can eat IN the restaurant), playing in the pool, dancing, jumping on her neighbors trampoline, being creative with our sidewalk chalk, bottle flipping (kids these days...), or going to her favorite resturant Bob Evans (again, ALWAYS eating IN the restaurant, Miss Kennedy doesn’t do take-out), she continues to baffle me with her humor, kindness, whit, and intelligence.

There was a time when I had a decision to make and I simply asked Kennedy what she thought I should do. She responded telling me, “Lydia, you do what YOU think you should do. Not what anyone else says!” As if, the ordeal was trivial to begin with. The bottom line though was... she was right. There was no need for me to worry about the future because I am in control of it. Pretty profound for a young girl, right?

Remember what I said about Bob Evans? Kennedys favorite restaurant? There is not one waiter or waitress there who does not know her by name. It was one of the very first things that made me admire her so quickly. She is able to form such deep connections and bonds with people she barely knows. I wonder what life would be like if we had the capacity to care the way Kennedy does.

This transpired over into her everyday life. On a day when we were on our way back to her home to play some games after being out all day, we past a homeless man. She asked me why he was standing on the side of the road. I read to her what his sign said and she just looked at me in confusion. Almost as if to ask, well why isn’t anyone helping him? I didn’t think twice. I turned around and we went to Dollar General and together, we chose the items that we thought were most essential for every human to have. Once we got back to her house, we curated Blessing Bags that would later be given to the people who often were seen on the side of busy roads, with tired eyes and hung heads.

I can recall another time when Kennedy and I were at the playground and she was eager to befriend the other kids there. She approached them with such genuine gentleness that it left me in tears. I was found asking myself, how can a human soul, being so flawed, somehow seem so pure and sincere? I have not yet found the answer, but this I know for sure: Kennedy Marie Randell is a light to this dark world that so often seems irrevocably hopeless.