About this episode

Ronda Foster shares a heartfelt story about her goddaughter Mari, who has Down syndrome, in response to a controversial statement made by YouTuber Jesse Ridgway.

🔥 The controversy exploded when YouTuber Jesse Ridgway (McJuggerNuggets) and his wife Ashley revealed they terminated their pregnancy after a Down syndrome diagnosis. Jesse called the condition "objectively shitty" and said they didn't want that life for their child or themselves. The internet responded with death threats, comparisons to Hitler, and a firestorm of hate. 🚫 But host Ronda isn't here to add to the rage. She's here to tell a different story. 👧🏽 Meet Mari. She is almost 14 years old, heading to high school, and she has Down syndrome. Mari is Ronda's goddaughter. Ronda is an Iyanifa — an Ifa priestess — and she owns a botanica (a metaphysical store). Mari's mother was a loyal customer who started volunteering at the store. Over time, they became family. Mari has an older brother, and her mother raises both children on her own. 💔 Yes, there have been hard days. Frequent hospital visits. Worries about bullies, school, and who will care for Mari when her mother is gone. Ronda doesn't pretend otherwise. 🧡 But there is also joy. Mari laughs until she snorts. She hugs like a boa constrictor. She is a beautiful person, and Ronda is blessed to know her. Not a tragedy…

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