We do a series at NBC25 called Great Kid of the Month. Each month a child is nominated for standing out in their community, school, church, home, etc. and I have the privilege of telling the story of each child.
October's Great Kid of the Month was especially a special one. 12 year old Destiny Franklin lives in Midland with her parents and is the oldest of five children.
She spends her day to day life helping care for her 8 year old brother Matthew who is living with extensive brain damage, respiratory problems and cerebral palsy.
Walking into their home humbled me immediately. There was Destiny, standing over Matthew's hospital crib in their living room, expressing to him how much she loves him. As time went on, I learned that Destiny knows just as well as her mother does, how to care for Matthew.
Stepping into Destiny's life for the hour I did just softened my heart. It made me forget about anything in my life I thought wasn't going "right."
After talking with Destiny one-on-one I learned quickly how BIG her heart is for everyone around her. Her view of the world is so much different than the average persons. A view of the world I wish we could all have.
Sitting there, it made me think about how blessed I am... but it also made me think of how blessed Destiny and her family is. At such an early age, Destiny is learning what it's like to live a selfless life, what it's like to love unconditionally.
After a little time there, Destiny started showing us all she does around the house. She was taking out the garbage, changing the laundry over, cleaning rooms, etc. What a great little helper she is around the house. She also had just gotten done helping her neighbor who has a bad back rake the leafs.
Not only that, Destiny is also living with a behavioral disorder known as "mood swing disorder." She goes to a behavioral school in Midland.
Destiny's story is such a special one and I am so honored I was able to share it.
Please watch and if you have the chance, share it with someone who needs a new bright way of looking at life. Meeting Destiny has definitely changed my life. Her love for life and others makes me want to strive for the love she gives on a daily basis to all of those around her.
MediaMom
~Liz
