By Amanda Permann

I have a daughter with Down Syndrome who is an absolute joy. Like anyone else, she has her own unique gifts, talents, strengths, and desires. She embraces life fully. She is happy. She has a Christ-like soul. In her world, nobody is ever left behind, and she remembers everyone she meets. To her, everyone is a friend. Everyone is family.

When we came down from heaven, we may have forgotten everything—but I feel like she didn’t. It’s as if she still remembers everyone, seeing them as though she’s always known them.

The Law of Cause and Effect says, “Every cause has an effect, and every effect has a cause. Nothing happens by chance.” I see that truth reflected in her life every day. Her loving actions—whether it’s greeting someone warmly, remembering their birthday, or showing up with a smile—have a profound effect on those around her. She radiates joy and connection, and the result is that people feel seen, valued, and loved.

She doesn’t just live life—she participates. In high school, she wasn’t only present; she was engaged. She played on the volleyball team, cheered on the sidelines, and supported her siblings at their games—always proudly wearing her school spirit gear. Her joyful involvement naturally led to her being elected homecoming queen in her senior year.

After graduation, she continued to create positive ripples everywhere she went. She joined our church’s Singles Ward, jumped into its activities, held a job for eight years, served an LDS service mission, volunteered at the Deseret Industries, and even performed in our town’s Melodrama.

Each of these moments is both a cause and an effect. Her choice to fully participate in life has led to new opportunities, meaningful connections, and contributions that bless others. The Law of Cause and Effect reminds us that nothing happens by chance, and her life is living proof.

This year for her birthday, we invited everyone to celebrate with cake and ice cream. We had no idea how many people would come—we just trusted it would work out. In the end, over 90 people showed up. Ninety! She has touched so many lives simply by being kind. She remembers them, and they remember her. It was a beautiful reminder of the incredible effect one loving soul can have on so many.

One of her most remarkable qualities is her ability to connect with people. She’ll run up to say “hi” with a big smile. She never forgets a birthday—carefully recording them in her iPad and making sure each one is celebrated. Her love for technology keeps her connected to everyone she cares about. Through these small, consistent acts of kindness, she leaves a lasting imprint on the hearts of others.

Her life is a perfect illustration of this truth: the causes we set in motion—through kindness, love, and genuine participation—create ripples that brighten the world. And because of her, our world is unquestionably brighter.