Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Shortorah Carter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Shortorah, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?

God gave me this vision and of course, I was stagnant at first, but I am a firm believer that if God places something in your spirit and you think of it constantly then your are supposed to do something with it. I think the answer to my question “why me Lord” is slowly starting to reveal itself. God already knew that my story would help so many other parents that walk in my shoes. Being the parent of a child with special needs can be challenging. So many mothers are suffering in silence raising their children with special needs. Some moms don’t have the support that they need, but I want you all to know I am here. Grateful Love Foundation not only advocates, empowers, and educates the youth with special needs and their parents, it helps educates their peers without disabilities. Grateful Love Foundation has all inclusive events in Saginaw, MI and surrounding areas helps children learn acceptance of other people, and that each person has unique abilities. Children learn from each other. With inclusion in place, children with special needs are provided equal opportunity to participate in the same types of programs and activities as children without special needs.

Shortorah, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At the age of 26, I gave birth to my son that I carried for nine months and did not know he had Down Syndrome. I remember the first time they placed Nehemiah in my arms. I remember holding him and gazing in his eyes. All I could do was thank God for blessing me with two beautiful children. Nehemiah’s sister was only 11.5 months older than him. It wasn’t until the next day that the doctor came in to perform Nehemiah’s checkup and told me that there was a possibility that Nehemiah had Down Syndrome. The doctor could tell by Nehemiah’s features, the almond-shaped eyes, and the single palmar crease on his hand. The doctor informed me that he would need to do some testing and I would get the results at his first check-up appointment. After being released from the hospital, I showed up to Nehemiah’s doctor’s appointment the following Monday and indeed Nehemiah had Down Syndrome. I had a difficult time after hearing the news, I had been praying for the test results to come back differently. I left the doctor’s office and I pulled up at a gas station because I needed gas. I pulled up to the pump and cried my eyes out. I called my mom told her that he did have Down syndrome and I can remember her words so clearly. My mom said, “He is a special child from God. You will not be ashamed of him, and you will not treat him any different from his sister. God just doesn’t give special children to anyone; God gives special children to special people.” There was something about my mother’s words that gave me the strength I needed to start my car up and drive to her home. There were many times I found myself questioning God. I know we are not supposed to question God, but I had a lot of questions and the first question was, “Why Me Lord?” I think God has revealed that answer for me many times. God chose me because he knew that I was well equipped for the journey. The birth of my son has sparked a fire in me. When Nehemiah was three years old, I organized my first Down Syndrome Walk “Walk for God’s Angel’s” in Saginaw, MI, and received a great amount of support from family and friends. Then a few years after having my first walk, I started a support group for parents of children with disabilities. Then in 2018, I wrote my first book titled, ‘Raising Nehemiah” In the book, I share what my journey has been like raising a child with a disability. However, I still had this feeling that God had more for me to do. On March 21, 2022 on World Down Syndrome Day I launched Grateful Love and Grateful Love Foundation. Our mission at Grateful love is to bring awareness, educate, advocate and empower people of all disabilities to express themselves through fashion and those in support of. I launched my handmade Down Syndrome Awareness Bucket Purse and Autism Awareness Tote Bag. Our mission at Grateful Love Foundation is to educate, advocate and empower youth with intellectual and developmental disabilities ages birth-18 and their families. I am GRATEFUL for God always LOVING me and revealing that he has always been in control. Everything we have is a gift from God. Sometimes the gifts that God gives us helps us to grow and change and I am so grateful that God chose meet be Nehemiah’s mom.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Nehemiah has changed my life in so many ways. I have learned patience and to never give up on anything. At time I feel overwhelmed defeated, hurt, and sometimes I worry about if I am doing enough. I made up my mind after hearing words of encouragement from my mother to be the best mom that I could be to Nehemiah. I utilized every resource that was made available to me. I chose to surround myself and my son with positive and uplifting people. I have instilled in my son that he can accomplish anything that he sets his mind to. It may take him a little longer to learn things, however he is capable of reaching his goals. we live by the motto, “Down Syndrome Stops Nothing.” Nehemiah has attended mainstream school since he tuned 2.5 years old, he sings in the choir, ushers at church and in May 2023 he became a business owner. He has his very owning juicing business, “Juicing with a Smile.”I have learned to appreciate all of Nehemiah’s small and big victories.

How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?

Being authentic, open and honest about my journey raising my son has helped build my reputation. I am always ready and willing to help parents that walk in my shoes. My mission is to educate, advocate and empower and I don’t take it lightly.

Contact Info:

• Website: grateful-love.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gratefullove2/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2144107989092690/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCiDegah8JLea9f9LlI2FzHA

Image Credits
Image Credits: SnapT Photography Phil Eich