1. Because it is a basic part of The Quail- and she’s beautiful as she is

2. Because of the community it has made me a part of

3. Because it helped me to understand and bond with my mother in a way I never could have if my child hadn’t been diagnosed with a disability

4. Because it has helped me to see the basic kindness in others I might otherwise have missed

5. Because it’s given me a medical base of knowledge that I might not otherwise have had

6. Because it’s brought tears of joy and admiration to my eyes and heart more times than I can count. People really are amazing.

7. Because it’s helped me to be more sensitive to others needs around me

8. Because it’s helped me to appreciate the ordinariness of life that really is a miracle

9. Because it’s helped me understand that we get what we get and we don’t get upset

10. Because it’s encouraged me to look for the positive in life

12. Because it’s shown me the positive in life

11. Because I can’t picture her little face with it’s tell-tale signs any other way

12. Because of all of the lil sack-o-sugar cuddles it’s granted me

13. Because it’s caused me to be a little less arrogant about what I think I know

14. Because it’s inspired a creativity in me that’s been dormant for some time

15. Because it’s brought forth a confidence in me that wasn’t there before

16. Because it’s brought a world of strangers into my life that have become friends, family, role models, advocates and teachers

17. Because it helps me to see that it is going to be alright

18. Because it has helped me to be closer to a number of friends and family

19. Because it has helped me appreciate my friends and family

20. Because it has made me aware of stereotypes I didn’t even know I held.

21. Because it’s what my life has been leading up to till this moment in time and it’s nice to finally be here and let out the breath I’ve been holding