Carla was 22 years old, had Down syndrome, and a conviction stronger than all doubts: she would raise her child alone

The day she walked into NASA, Lena took her mother’s hand and brought her along.

The director greeted them warmly:
— Your daughter is one of the brightest minds we’ve ever met.

Carla, eyes filled with tears, whispered softly:
“I always knew she’d reach the stars… I just never thought I’d see them this close.”

Today, every time Lena sends a photo from space, she always includes one image:
that of a young woman with a gentle smile, wearing a worn nightgown, cradling a sleeping baby.

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