06/03/2025
Sometimes I’m reminded how cruel people can be, to the most innocent souls. I’ll never understand it, but I’ll continue to counteract it with love.
A few months ago, we did an Opu Probiotics giveaway on TikTok, and the winner was Shannon Pinkerton. We pulled her name from hundreds on live. Little did I know, Shannon was already a loyal customer, relying on our products to support her family’s digestion and health.
But the story goes deeper. When Shannon was a child, her parents took in MaryBeth, an 18-year-old with Down syndrome. Shannon later took over guardianship - and Marybeth is now in her 60s.
Shannon carried that same compassion forward, adopting six incredible young men with disabilities. They are one of the most beautiful families I’ve ever known, I can’t get enough of their TikToks.
Tonight, I was watching a video of Cam dancing and singing, so full of joy.
But then I made the mistake of reading the comments. The hateful, vile things people wrote about that sweet young man broke my heart. Shannon, true to her Mama Bear spirit, responded with grace and composure, even in the face of cruelty. (I don’t think I could respond so calmly, but then again she deals with a daily 😞)
Social media, and the world in general, can be harsh. It’s a stark reminder of how people with disabilities are too often treated.
Please, be kind.
And if you have an unkind thought, try to keep it to yourself.
We LOVE you 💚💚💚