n

This story is for all the advocates in the world fighting for someone else.

n

n

Meet Addison and Asher Nash

n

The world is a better place because of big sisters like Addison. She is her brother Asher’s biggest advocate, best friend, and a bright light for all children with Down syndrome and special needs. At the young age of eight, Addison understands what is most important; love, acceptance and happiness. If you live your life like Addison, you can add magic to the world in ways you have never imagined.

n

n

n

n

n

n

Addison the Light Catcher

By Courtney Kotloski

n

n

n

Did you know there is light inside of everyone?

n

There is.

nn

And did you know you can catch it and share it with the world?

n

You can.

nn

This is my super-duper light catcher; it’s fast, dependable and sparkly. I made it when my brother was born, because when he opened his eyes the light was jumping around everywhere.

nn

At first, it hit me right in the eye, and bounced off the nursery wall out into the hallway. I told it to stop, but the light just kept running. I chased it around the house, through the laundry room, across the living room, past the kitchen, and out the front door.

nn

It stood shaking by the mailbox and I tried to plead with it. “Please, light! Let me catch you. I’ll put you up in the sky for all the world to see!” But the light just kept on running.

nn

Through the garden, out past the barn, and into the woods until finally we both had to stop because we could hardly breathe. “Please, light. Listen to me. I’ll take care of you and put you in a place where all the world can see how beautiful and special you are to me.”

nn

The light blinked and moved from side to side trying to decide if it trusted me. I realized it was afraid of what the world might think. I moved closer and gently held out my hand. “The world needs your light and I can help you shine.” I cupped my hands together and invited the light in. Then slowly, with a trusting sigh, the light surrendered and poured into my hands.

nn

That’s when I made my wish; “I wish I may, I wish I might, be forever the keeper of my brother’s light.” I stretched my arm back as far as it could go, and tossed the light up towards the stars with all my might. The light looked down smiling and beautiful from its place in the sky. It twinkled, and sparkled, and danced in my eyes.

nn

There it stands night after night and day after day, the brightest light I’ve ever been lucky enough to catch; my brother’s.

nnnnn

#children #illustration #childrensbooks #halloween #childrensbookillustration #scared #unicorn #witch #redeyes #cat #witchescat #october #collaboration #bed #artheals #watercolor #teleport #givingthanks #thanksgiving #love