4 minute read
Meet the Granberry Family
By Dr. Lyn Jones
PHOTOS BY BROOKE TANNER
PHOTOGRAPHY AND 21 VINES PHOTOGRAPHY
JOHN AND CHELSEA have three children: Laynie is fifteen, Mila is eight, and Navy is 5. Navy Granberry was diagnosed with Trisomy 21 (Down syndrome) shortly after her birth. Chelsea did not know during her pregnancy that Navy had Down syndrome because she had opted out of genetic testing. When the family received the diagnosis, the Granberrys experienced a range of emotions—but ultimately, they were filled with absolute love and adoration for their new baby girl.
Navy turned five this last June, and the Granberry’s continue to love, adore, and be proud of Navy. Chelsea wants readers to know that Down syndrome is not something to fear—it’s simply a genetic condition that enhances the child you were meant to have with beautiful and unique characteristics.
If you ask Chelsea if it’s hard, she’ll tell you the truth. “Yes it’s hard. Just because something isn’t easy doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it or it isn’t valuable.” Cheslea reiterates what every parent knows— raising kids in general is hard. Every family faces challenges daily with their children.
But with Navy and her disability, the Granberry family finds the hardest part is living in a society that that constantly pushes Navy up against the wall requiring the family to prove her worth and value.
Still, the Granberrys are a team—bound by love, faith and a deep commitment to one another. In hard times, they lean on each other.
Chelsea emphasizes the importance of having a support system—family, friends and community—to not only help you through your battles, but to fight alongside you.
Chelsea has countless special memories of her daughter Navy—playing with her sisters, sharing her first belly laugh, and flashing her radiant smile in a photograph featured on Radio Flyer products, showing the world the beauty of Down syndrome. But one moment stands out in particular for Chelsea: the day Navy took her first steps.
Navy was 1 year old when they were at an appointment, and the doctor told Chelsea that, based on Navy’s muscle tone and support around her ankles, she should anticipate that Navy would not walk until age 2 or 3. But Navy proved him wrong and walked by 1 ½.
Since then, the Granberry family has learned to not place limitations on Navy. If things take longer, that’s okay. The Granberry family places faith in Navy. Navy has taken that same faith and perseverance to her church community as well.
Chelsea is involved in the youth group at Calvary Christian Fellowship in Greenfield. Navy is in the younger class and needed more support, so the church started a buddy program for her and other children like her.
The Granberry family is looking forward to fall when their children return to school. Navy is especially excited because she just finished developmental preschool and can’t wait to start kindergarten.
Chelsea’s advice to new moms? “Keep advocating and always reaching out. It’s hard to ask for help, but when you do, you will be overwhelmed how many people can relate to the way you feel and can support and lift you up.”
In the Down syndrome community, there is a group of moms called “the lucky mamas” run by an amazing mom named Heather Gregg. The Lucky Mama project is a non profit organization that will send you a welcome package full of resources and hope. Chelsea has never forgot the day she received her package and what it meant to her. She has remained in connection with these women and considers herself one lucky mama! Being a lucky mama says ‘welcome to the funniest, craziest, most beautiful ride of your life”.
Follow along with us on social media as we share the beauty of Down syndrome . My instagram/ TikTok is @ bestthingscomeinthrees
I am an activist, writer, and retired Ball State professor who is passionate about storytelling. My inspiration is my son Will, who is on the autism spectrum. We call him our “Joy Boy.” I’m the author of Painless Reading Comprehension, co-author of Memory Workshop, and a former editor with two indie presses, INwords Publications and 409 Press.
