Our name... Albino Bee Love

Buddy as art.

My life changed the day my son was born, again. My life was full of changes. Graduations, moves to urban areas & moves to rural areas, boyfriends, roommates, favorite songs, favorite desserts, jobs, cars, vocations... long lists of changes. But this was different. He was different. Right away, I knew something was wrong. I hadn’t ever seen a fresh born little boy...but I knew my little man looked different. I remember asking myself, “were boys suppose to be exceptionally strange looking?” and wondering. It was Buddy’s 2nd day of life that Dr. Pete came in to talk, holding Buddy and studying him. “Down Syndrome,” he said, was all I remember him saying... the rest is a teary blur. I was upset. I was upset that the doctor wasn’t sure. I was upset Buddy hadn’t taken to nursing like my girls. I was REALLY, REALLY upset when they kept poking and prodding my little guy, attempting to take his blood for the genetic testing. I was upset when Hubbie asked the pediatrician, what the cure was. I remember that day in 9th-grade biology class, “You don’t want a child with Down Syndrome.” A seed of worry planted thanks to my former science teacher Mr. B. Buddy did take to nursing... Buddy was & continues to be adorable... Buddy does have Down Syndrome. Hubbie has been educated too and I sure wish I could provide an education to Mr. B the faulty faculty of my old high school. What a life changer and it was the BEST change ever. Fast forward a few years later and life has changed a few more times. Frist with the addition of Buddy’s bitty sister Kitten. She had challenges from day one. WOW. Years later it was close to my birthday and I got a call... not only was Kitten diagnosed with a second genetic change that was impacting her... I was yet again a carrier. This time it was for a MECP2 change. GLUP. I had a little cry. I needed a little cry along with time to process and pray. It’s at moments like these you really ask G-d, “WHY?” Later that same day in the form of a small white creature... an albino bumble bee... G-d sent His answer. I took notice because I am allergic to bees & this little drone happened to land on me. Which would freak anyone out? So I really took notice as I sat perfectly still... mentally reprimanding myself for wearing bright clothing. This bee was like me. Not “perfect” but certainly a beautiful and unique, assuredly a functioning contributing member of its hive-bee. A bee regardless of its variation of color. My kids and I are human beings, 100% regardless of our variation of genetic code. Certainly beautiful and unique, assuredly functioning as members of our family & community, and greater humanity. Much like that wee albino bee who landed me. Thus... the name for our page and our endeavor to build a business for our children to BEE free to pursue their own story & adventure as well as our mission to BEE a blessing to other individuals with our community. Much Love & Love Much, Nana