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All Bets are off! Grace is starting her Senior Year!
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  • 26 Aug, 2016
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It still amazes me that Grace is attending high school, considering we were told she would never live past the age of two. Looking back, Grace attending school was not at the top of my priority list, as I just wanted her to live to reach her second birthday.
Now I am sitting here in awe of her… walking through Old Navy and Forever 21 while she picks out the clothes that catch her eye and wondering is that what “Seniors” are wearing nowadays? Yes, Grace will soon begin her Senior year of high school and I can’t even catch my breath without crying! On September 1st, Grace will walk into James Memorial High School in Madison, WI with her besties Luke and Nicole and she will enjoy all the perks that come along with being a Senior in high school. I will make sure she enjoys all those special privileges that seniors all wait to have, and yes, I will even let her participate in senior skip day!
I know that for many parents with special needs kids we tend to be afraid of the unknown and the possibility that are child will be teased or left out. But one thing I know, is that If I chose to keep Grace out of school because of those fears then she would never know that true friendship is possible between typical kids and kids like her. I can’t allow my fears to stop her from having her chance in life and experiencing her experiences. I understand completely that her “normal” is not like her sister Lily’s normal, but it’s her normal to have and I can’t wait to follow her through these milestones in her life.
Over the next 11 months we will be documenting Grace’s journey through photos, TV, Video, writings, blogs and more. And I will be standing just two steps behind her so that I can be amazed everyday as I watch this extraordinary young girl accomplish things that doctors, science and research told me she would never experience! Instead of being mad at a system that failed her, I will bask in mere joy of seeing her happy, laughing and being alive! She has defied all odds to get to this day and I can’t wait to share her journey with you.
It is amazing that Grace Kenitz, a child who was given zero chance to live, and whose momma (me) was told that her daughter would never understand love or compassion, let alone have friends or laugh, will be walking the halls soon as a Senior! My cup runneth over!
Way to go Gracie! Senior year is going to be amazing! You’re amazingly beautiful and your strength is one of no other.

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