**To many poems to organize**
WARNING!! This is a two kleenex moment!!
"Like Me"
I went to my dad and said to him,
There's a new kid who's come to my school.
He's different from me and he isn't too cool.
No, he's nothing at all like me, like me,
No, he's nothing at all like me.
He runs in a funnyish jerkyish way
And he never comes first in a race
Sometimes he forgets which way is first base,
And he's nothing at all like me, like me,
No, he's nothing at all like me.
He studies all day in a separate class
And they say that it's called "Special Ed."
And sometimes I don't understand what he's said,
And he's nothing at all like me, like me,
No, he's nothing at all like me.
His face looks kind of different from mine,
And his talking is sometimes so slow
And it makes me feel funny and there's one thing I know;
He is nothing at all like me, like me,
No, he's nothing at all like me!
And my father said, "Son, I want you to think
When you meet some one different and new
That he may seem a little bit strange, it's true,
But he's not very different from you, from you,
No, he's not very different from you,"
Well I guess, I admitted, I've looked at his face;
When he's left out of games, he feels bad.
And when other kids tease him, I can see he's so sad.
I guess that's not so different from me, from me,
No, that's not very different from me.
And when we're in Music, he sure loves to sing,
And he sings just like me, right out loud.
When he gets his report card, I can tell he feels proud,
And that's not very different from me, from me,
No, that's not very different from me.
And I know in the lunchroom he has lots of fun;
He loves hot dogs and ice cream and fries.
And he hates to eat spinach and that's not a surprise,
'Cause that's not very different from me, from me,
No, that's not very different from me.
And he's always so friendly, he always says hi,
And he waves and he calls out my name.
And he'd like to be friends and get into a game,
Which is not very different from me, from me,
No, I guess that's not different from me.
And his folks really love him. I saw them at school,
I remember on Open School Night --
They were smiling and proud and they hugged him real tight,
And that's not very different from me, from me,
No, that's not very different from me.
So I said to my dad, Hey, you know that new kid?
well, I've really been thinking a lot.
Some things are different . . . and some things are not . . .
But mostly he's really like me, like me,
Yes, my new friend's . . . a lot . . . like me.
Emily Perl Kingsley
Blessings
in Disguise
By Thomas Kempis
God sends his
little angels
In many forms and guises,
They come as lovely miracles
That God alone devises.
For every little angel
With a body bent and broken,
Or a little mind disabled
Or little words unspoken,
Is just God's way of trying
To reach and touch the hand
Of all who do not know Him
And cannot understand
That often through an angel
Whose wings will never fly
The Lord is pointing out the way
To His eternal sky
Where there will be no handicaps
Of body, soul or mind,
And where all limitations
Will be dropped and left behind.
So accept these little angels
As gifts from God above,
And thank Him for this lesson
In faith and hope and love.
Angel in a Wheelchair
Angels, I am
told, have wings for speed;
wheels serve you just as well, I think.
At least you seem satisfied, as evidenced
by dimpled grin and dancing eyes.
Earthbound Angel- spreading love,
embracing life in a fierce bear hug.
Did God touch your cherub face
and hold you close before He let you go?
You fit so well within His hands,
as though you've always been there.
In four short years I've learned from you
to walk in peace and stand in faith.
You run your race with confidence,
ambassador of joy- angel in a wheelchair.....
MCA '96
All God's children
When a child is born not quite
healthy
We believe God has his reasons.
These children are as all His flowers,
They grow and have their seasons.
They have their good days and their bad
And we pray there is no pain,
But, as in nature, along with the sunshine
must be a little rain.
God in His wisdom has given us
these children. He is wise.
For though there's pain and suffering
when one of our children dies,
There's also great love and memories
that will never fade away
And the knowledge that, though gone tomorrow,
we still have today.
And when God takes his children home
to Heaven, be not sad
For our precious children are at peace
and for that, at least, be glad.
Although we cannot hold them now,
can no longer make a fuss,
We now have a precious angel in Heaven
smiling down on us.
Written January 1990, Carrie Guarria
in Memory of ~Kasey Anne~
And he gave me to you
Ever wonder why you're the lucky one
The one who came to be?
The oh so very lucky one
Who was chosen to care for me?
It may not be obvious sometimes
But you have all I need.
I need someone with patience
I need someone who is kind.
I need someone who is strong
And not quick to loose their mind
I need someone who is special
Someone very special indeed
I need someone who will care,
Someone to care for me
You may never know my thoughts
You may never know my voice
Just please be reassured
That was not my choice.
God knew what he was doing
When he gave me to you
He knew you could handle me
He knew what you could do.
You see I am very special
Someone very special indeed
I need someone who will care
Someone to care for me
I know that I am not perfect
And that I make you cry
That was not my intent
I'm just your little guy.
One day you will know me
The way you want to know
But for now I'm just me
No matter how hard that may be
But I am a special person
Someone very special indeed
You'll never know how glad I am
That God gave you to me.
You see you are not the lucky one
The lucky one is me
By Christine
Quiroga
Criters89@aol.com
Bless My Children....
May they learn to love and heal,
Learn to think and learn to feel.
May they come to understand
That peace or war is in their hands.
May their lights shine always bright,
Ever choosing paths of right.
May they seek in every pain,
In every heartfelt loss, a gain.
Keep them happy, ever free,
Keep them strong as they can be.
Let their hearts and souls be filled
With joy and peace which they have willed.
And when, alone, they walk life's road,
Give them always an easy load.
But if they stumble, help them rise
With hope and courage in their eyes.
Give me wisdom to teach them truth,
Understanding of their tender youth.
And when, at last, they're fully grown,
Give me the grace to let them go.
~Susan Nichols
Challenged
Some say I am disabled,
But you know that isn't true.
I simply have a challenge
A little different from you.
My slight inconvenience, has taught me
Things they could not know.
Each obstacle is a victory,
Enabling me to grow.
I'm not really any different,
I cry, I laugh, I snore.
I don't want to be treated
As if I'm not a person anymore.
Out of good intentions,
People are afraid to let me try.
But sometimes I have to fall,
And sometimes I need to cry.
God gives me strength and dignity,
And the courage to be all I can be.
For He doesn't see me as disabled,
He just sees me as me.
Leslie W Ortega
FROM GOD, WITH LOVE
Original Author unknown
Children are a blessing sent from God above
For us to care and nurture and most of all to love.
God calls us to be parents and gives us all the tools
And when we feel like giving up, our strength He will renew.
Children are a gift from God that He so freely lends
To make it through the childhood years, on Him we must depend.
He must have a presence, you see it must take three
The parents, child and Christ at the center to be a family.
From childhood days to a child full grown
Their joys and hurts are a parent's own.
Times of joy and laughter and those times of tears
The times spent raising a child are surely the best of years.
There comes that time in life when a child will leave the nest
We must send them off with love and a prayer and leave to God the rest.
We've have shared the Word of God,
We've taught them right from wrong
Now it's time to let them go and let them write their song.
The faith instilled, the examples lived, and the lessons taught
All gifts that we've given our child, which will never be forgotten.
There are many paths a child can take,
Right or wrong will remain unknown
But rest assured that in the end, they all lead back to home.
A Silent Voice
Though I have always wondered what was going on inside the mind
of my ten year old brain damaged son, I have never truly taken the time to try to imagine
what it must be like to be him. Frustration would probably be the word to describe so many
aspects of Jeffrey’s life. When he has an itch. He can’t scratch it nor can he
ask anyone else to scratch it for him. When he feels pain, his silent cry goes unnoticed
unless someone is looking. Though he used to enjoy creating an array of sounds, now
trached, he must wonder what happened to those beautiful melodies which were once created
not only for his own enjoyment but offered as his very own composition to share with the
world.
Fear is another word which must surely describe Jeffrey’s feelings
whenever he is whisked away by strangers into a cold, sterile, unfamiliar environment
filled with unfamiliar noises at all hours of the day, words of hopelessness, faces that
cannot be seen, strange voices, and pain.
But joy and happiness are words that must not be excluded in
describing Jeffrey’s life. His ear to ear smile indicates his satisfaction as he
feels a familiar touch or hears the loving words of his mommy or the tune of his favorite
song. However, while his family and nurses are scurrying around trying to accomplish
life’s supposed important work within a scheduled frame of time, Jeffrey must be
wondering how much time will have to pass before he is blessed with another familiar touch
or word or song. His desires are so uncomplicated, innocent and undeniable.
He’s a little boy trapped in a body that won’t cooperate, a world
that doesn’t understand and a voice that only God hears. But God is listening and he
hasn’t forgotten Jeffrey.
Kitty Kallemeyn 1996
My Special Child
My special child, God gave you to me.
Perhaps only for a little while.
I’ve seen your smile. I’ve caressed your touch.
In such a short time you taught me so much.
No I’d not trade you for any other child.
For through you God gave me hope,
love and a spirit so mild.
My life is brand new, my spirit can soar.
For nare had I tapped into God’s great power before.
He has shown me through trials there is nothing to fear.
For His power and helpful spirit is always near.
"Just trust in me", I can hear Him say.
"I know your troubles each passing day.
And through them you’ll know that within you I’ll stay.
No I’ll never go, I’ll light your way.
For some the impossible can never be.
But for you my child, just ask it of me.
It may not be the miracle you planned.
But it will be the glorious work of my eternal hand."
To God be the glory and through all things give praise
Draw on His strength and He will bless us each day.
Kitty Mills (Kallemeyn) 1986
Note from the Author: I
know that there must be a thousand poems called ‘My Special Child’ but when I
wrote this, I didn’t know it, so please accept one more. I guess it must be the
perfect description for our angels.. :-) My last name is different in the two submissions
because I wrote the above poem before Jeffrey’s father died in April of 1987 at the
age of 34. I later remarried and acquired the new last name of Kallemeyn.
AS I WATCH YOU SLEEP
My precious child, I have slipped into your room to sit with you
as you sleep. Your eyes are peacefully closed now, and your soft blonde curls surround
your beautiful face. Just moments ago, a mounting sadness came over me while I
contemplated the day’s events.
This morning, I was impatient with you as you dressed too slowly, telling you
to stop being such a slow poke.
I scolded you for misplacing your lunch money and I capped off breakfast with a
disapproving look as you spit food on your shirt. "Again?" I sighed and shook my
head. You just smiled sheepishly at me and said, "Bye, Mommy!" In the afternoon,
I tried to make phone calls while you played in your room, singing your favorite songs
loud enough for me to hear you. You wanted me to be proud, but instead, I motioned
irritably for you to be quiet and stop all the racket, and then proceeded to spend another
busy hour on the phone. "Get your homework done right now" I later rattled off
like a sergeant "And stop wasting so much time." "Okay Mom," you said
remorsefully, sitting up straight at your desk with pencil in hand. After that, it was
quiet in your room. In the evening, as I worked at my desk, you approached me hesitantly.
"Will we read a story tonight Mom?" you asked with a
glimmer of hope. "Not tonight," I said abruptly, "your room is still a
mess! How many times will I have to remind you?" You wandered off in a shuffle with
your head down and headed for your room. Before long, you were back, peering around the
edge of the door. "Now what do you want?" I asked in an agitated tone of voice.
You didn’t say a word, you just came bounding in the room, threw your arms around my
neck and kissed me on the cheek and said "Good night Mommy, I love you," And
then, as swiftly as you had appeared, you were gone.
After that, I sat quietly, holding the phone, feeling a wave of remorse come
over me. At what point did I lose the rhythm of the day, I wondered, and at what cost? You
hadn’t done anything to invoke my mood. You were just being a child, busy about the
task of growing and learning. I got lost today, in an adult world of responsibilities and
demands, and had little energy left to give to you. you became my teacher today, with your
unrestrained urge to rush in and kiss me goodnight, even after an arduous day of tiptoeing
around my moods. And now, as I see you lying fast asleep, I yearn for the day to start all
over again.
Tomorrow, I will treat myself with as much understanding as you
have shown me today, so that I can be a real Mom~~offering a warm smile when you awaken, a
word of encouragement after school, an animated story before bed. I will laugh when you
laugh, and cry when you cry. I will remind myself that you are a child, not a grown up,
and I will enjoy being your Mom.
Thank you my child, for being my teacher and my friend, and thank you for your
gift of love.
Author Unknown
A Poem for Moms and Dads
Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my sanity to keep.
For if some peace I do not find,
I'm pretty sure I'll lose my mind.
I pray I find a little quiet
Far from the daily family riot
May I lie back--not have to think
about what they're stuffing down the sink,
or who they're with, or where they're at
and what they're doing to the cat.
I pray for time all to myself
(did something just fall off a shelf?)
To cuddle in my nice, soft bed
(Oh no, another goldfish--dead!)
Some silent moments for goodness sake
(Did I just hear a window break?)
And that I need not cook or clean--
(well heck, I've got the right to dream)
Yes now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray my wits about me keep,
But as I look around I know--
I must have lost them long ago!
Flesh and Bone
We know You're an Angel but it seems
Heaven forgot your wings
We believe you were sent down to have us know no matter what,
Love can grow.
We see behind your angel eyes there's a heart of gold
sent down to have us know-
Love and Trust is something we can truly hold.
Some days we grow weary from the road.
And some days we weep from the weight of the load.
Oh, but those are the days when your smile-
makes us see.
Angels need no wings-to have us know
the spirit is stronger than flesh and bone
Anonymous
Best Angel Friends
A beautiful little angel showed up to Heaven's
gates,
confused and unknowing the plan that for her awaits.
Then another little angel walked up and took her hand,
and said "Please don't be sad you left, you're in the Promised Land!"
"I'm glad to be here but I do not think I was to go.
Perhaps there was a mistake, for my Mommy wanted me so!"
The little greeting angel gave a sweet smile and said,
"My Mommy wanted me too, but to Heaven I was led.
You see, we do not get to choose when on Earth it's time to go,
He gave us life, love and joy and a Mother's womb to grow.
The Lord still needs new angels to guide them down on Earth,
To watch over, comfort them, and help them see their worth."
The other little angel then quickly perked up and said,
"Is there still a way that I can sleep in my Mommy's bed!?"
The greeting angel grinned and said "That luxury you'll keep!
I visit my Mommy nightly and softly sing her to sleep..."
The little angel replied, "Then I think I'll like it here!
I'll visit my Mommy nightly and weaken her pain and fears...
I love her and will keep her safe at night and in-between,
And let her know with a sweet memory that she is still with me."
The greeting angel gave her new friend a big hug and said,
"Until our Mommy's meet us here, let's be best angel friends!"
"OK!" said the new angel, "That sounds good to me!
We can fly to Earth together with these beautiful new wings!"
Then the angels sat and played, keeping their Mommy's in sight,
Humming the tune to the song, they would sing to their Mommy's tonight.
Teresa Clark - August 4th, 1998
Dedicated to Heather Brianna Clark & Tyler George Langkam
Until we meet you in Heaven......
My Special Ray of Sunshine
The news of you came surprising. For I waited and prayed for seven
long years. I longed for my special ray of sunshine to enter into my life.
You changed my life from the moment we connected. On that cold day
in January when you entered into this world, I marveled at your sight as I
held you closely upon my breast. Your eye's so wide open, a gentle
shade of blue, instantly I was in love with you. You looked so tired, for
you worked so hard to finally come out and join our world and meet
your family. You have become my joy, my teacher, my student, my
sweet special little boy, but most of all you became My Special Ray of
Sunshine.
By Quiet Angel
javs@bellsouth.net
© 1998 Quiet Angel (All rights reserved)
A Child
A child is like a butterfly in the wind
Some can fly higher than others,
But each one flies the best it can.
Why compare one against the other?
Each one is different.
Each one is special.
Each one is beautiful.
Author Unknown
Premature Baby Prayer
Author unknown
God bless the little child behind the plastic wall
For all he knows is the ringing of the bells and
the blurred images around him. He has been taken
from my womb without warning and I long to hold
him in my arms.
Lord, I ask in your name that my child be healed.
I am willing to accept your decision no matter what
it will be. I am willing to take on the responsibilities
for caring for this child. I am willing to give this
child love and understanding, no matter what the cost.
Please Lord help me to accept reality and what has
happened without explanation or warning. Help me
face the fact that this is not my fault and that I was
given a special task to complete here on Earth.
God give my child the strength to make it through another
second, minute, hour and day as each moment is a blessing
and a triumph from Heaven.
God, may you give the strength and compassion
to the caregivers and nurses that take care of my child
May you keep my child protected and free from all injury
and pain.
Please take away the guilt and burden from my heart dear
Lord. It is heavy and I feel it is all my fault.
Take it away dear Lord, Sweet Jesus allow me the strength
and understanding I need to communicate with the Doctors
and Nurses.
As you see dear Lord, I am at your mercy for the life of
my child. Please leave him here on Earth and know that
I will provide all the love and understanding that
this child needs. I accept the challenge and will be
your humble servant dear Lord.
Key Makers
Some people see a closed door, and turn away.
Others see a closed door, try the knob
if it doesn't open... they turn away.
Still others see a closed door, try the knob,
if it doesn't open, they find a key,
if the key doesn't fit... they turn away
A rare few see a closed door, try the knob
if it doesn't open, they find a key,
if the key don't fit...They make one.
God's Measurement
by Linda Romblum
When God measures our worth - it's said
He places the tape, "round the heart not the head."
This is thought brings comfort now to me
Concerning my son, for you see
Andrew's not learning as he should,
All the testing and therapies - still not good.
At age 5, developmentally he's between 1 and 2.
He likes many people on this Earth
By most human values, the lesser worth.
"Handicapped", "Disabled" they're thought of.
But not so labeled by a God of love.
For who knows the worth of a human soul?
The total story is yet to unfold.
Our loving Father has a plan for everyone,
And I believe-Yes! for my son!
Through a glass dimly, now I can't see.
Just what the future is going to be.
But by faith day by day, God leads me on.
His peace and power help keep me strong.
I sometimes feel a failure - trying to teach my son.
So often, I feel that Andrew, he's the one
Teaching me, -of life and faith, and depth of love
As if a lesson came form above.
His intellect may be small -
But, oh his heart says it all!
So now I pass this message on to you.
It's very plain what we can do.
Value every soul on Earth
As through God's eyes, give them worth.
Care for those who need a helping hand,
Meet their needs if you can,
The joy you'll find is such giving
Makes life much more worth the living.
And too, it will last when life is 'ore.
And we gather upon eternity's shore.
For God measures our worth - each one,
When life here on Earth is done.
And he places the tape, - I've heard it said,
" Around the heart, and not the head"
Unity
I dreamed I stood in a studio and watched two sculptors here.
The clay they used was a young child's mind, and they fashioned it with care.
One was a teacher. The tools he used were books andmusic and art.
One was a parent with a guiding hand, and a gentle, loving heart.
Day after day the teacher toiled, with touch that was deft and sure.
While the parent labored by his side and polished and smoothed it over.
And when at last their task was done, they stood proud of what they
had wrought.
For things they had molded into the child could neither be sold or bought.
And each agreed he would have failed if he had worked alone.
For behind the parent stood the school, and behind the teacher, the home.
The Dirt Road
By Cynthia M. Bissell
Cruising along an endless stretch of highway, pavement hard and
smooth. People staring straight ahead, not taking their eyes off the road. The
lines whisk past as dots that hypnotize, so boring and routine. Without challenge,
without change and such a waste of time. Then suddenly, without warning, a detour
sign ahead. I turn the wheel, screech and skid, down a dirt road I know not
where. Stones fly from under my tires as I struggle to gain control. I must slow down
and keep my head, try to stay on course. Lost, frightened and all alone on some
lonesome backwoods road. The bumps, ruts , twists and turns, will I ever make it
through? I take a deep breath, cautiously, progress, for what's ahead I do not
know. Yet as I go, I start to note the beauty along this road. Then here and
there I begin to see some others traveling here too. They smile and nod with a
knowing look, I no longer feel so alone.
There is a kinship here, that sets us apart from the rest. Our road has the same
destination, just a slightly different route. We've learned some lessons, gained some
skills that could only be learned here. This road has taught us how rough life can
be, but has made us much stronger indeed.
Times Two
By Larry Samsky
I can't begin to recount the joys,
when I learned that my twins were both little boys.
I thought of the fun, the games and the sports,
and the wonderful toys, they'd have all sorts.
But when we found that all was not right,
We cried and screamed quietly on into the night.
Cerebral Palsy was the name they were giving,
A most challenged life since then we've been living.
Everyday is so hard and seems so long,
to keep them happy, healthy and strong.
To doctors and therapists for tests we've gone,
Two years of appointments that stretch on and on.
To think of it long I always cry,
So to keep my mind busy I constantly try.
We wait for the big things, but for now we're raving,
cause one son crawls well, and the other is waving!
Between Birth and Death
By Jean Bury
When we first met we were strangers in a dreaming place
That only our bodies recognized and called home. Seven times we met prepared for the
battle of both our lives reached for each other in the silence that later held our loss,
formed our connection. You came too soon. My body could not hold you, feed you, grow you
could not hold you. Tubes, needles, wires and monitors breathed for you, fed you, warmed
you grew you Carried out messages of hope and fear. You dangled too long between death and
birth felt the sting in your veins of a needle addiction you did not choose. Nearly
stopped your heart with the longing to be held. To be held. Later, much later, we together
met the dawn. Entered awake the dreaming place and taught each other again the meaning of
loss, the consequence of a birth. From out of the darkness we arrived two survivors who
knew the betrayal of empty arm and the promise of a sunrise in winter.
...FORGET - ME - NOT...
Our problems are many and varied. Our struggles are always uphill.
I'm speaking of hundreds of children. So listen a while if you will.
I want understanding - not pity. I wish you could treat me the same
You wouldn't ignore other children. At least you would ask them their name
I know I can't answer to tell you. My face may seem empty and dead
My body is twisted - but I am alive. And there are thoughts in my head.
I will not be shut out from the world. I'm a child and it is my right
I'm not an object of pity - to be hidden away out of sight.
My parents see me through eyes of love. And not as others do.
They see things I can achieve. And I wish that you would too.
As I ask you to forget-me-not, I beg you to hear my plea
If I could speak - I would ask you
To please look closer - and see me ....
Hope is not pretending that troubles don't exist.
It is the trust that they will not last forever,
Those hurts will be healed and difficulties overcome.
It is the faith that a source of strength and renewal lies within
to lead us through the dark into the sunshine.
By Elizabeth A. Chase
Friends of the Handicapped
Blessed are those who take the time
To listen to difficult speech,
For you help me to know that
if I preserver, I can be understood.
Blessed are you who never bid me to hurry up
or take may tasks from me
For my failures will be outweighed
By the times I surprise you and myself
Blessed are you who ask for my help
For my greatest need is to be needed.
Blessed are you who understand that it is
difficult for me to put thoughts into words.
Blessed are you who with a smile encourage
me to try once more.
Blessed are you who never remind me that today
I ask the same questions twice,
Blessed are you who respect me and love me
just as I am.
PARENT'S CREED
By Harriette B. McCormick
Help me to guide this child of God
Whom you have entrusted to me
Help me to make his life worth while
To give him the ability to see
That beauty abides in the common place
In the things that around him lie
In the glories of the rising sun
In the myriad of the stares in the night time sky
For in the sureness of night
When man's daily work is through
He renews his strength for the morrow
For the tasks he hopes to pursue
TEEN CREED
by Preston Kenosha
Don't let your parents down, they brought you up.
Be humble enough to obey, you may give orders someday.
Choose companions with care, you become what they are.
Guard your thoughts, what you think is what you are.
Choose only a date who would make a good mate.
Be master of your habits or they will master you.
Don't be a show-off when you drive, drive safely and arrive.
Don't let the crowd pressure you, stand for something,
or you'll fall for anything.
WHO AM I?
By Abbie Rottenberg
I have trouble with my words, they don't seem to come out clear but I want you all
to know me, so I'll try. By asking one small question, it won't take up too much time, can
you tell me, can you answer, "who am I"
Oh I know I'm very different by the things I cannot do, why I find it hard to tell
you my own name. So you wonder just who I am as you try to hide your
eyes.....but believe me
you and I are just the same.
Don't you marvel at a sunset as the rays shine through the clouds and the night
begins to take over the sky? Don't you love the sound of laughter, and a lively, happy
tune? Then we are not so different you and I.
When you see a mighty eagle as it spreads its graceful wings, don't you wish inside
your heart that you could fly? And when you hear a crash of thunder, don't you tremble out
of fear? Then we are not so different you and I.
Oh, I know my legs can't hold me and I cannot shake your hand and that looking at me
makes you feel so strange. So you wonder just who I am, as you quickly pass on by. But
believe me you and I are much the same.
Have you known the pain of sadness and the feeling that it brings? Yes, I'm sure
there've been some times you've had to cry. And that loneliness is worst of all, I'm sure
you will agree. Then we are not so different you and I.
Do you know the joy of friendship, of caring and of love? Somehow I get the feeling
that you do. Then we are not so different, we are very much the same. You do know who I am
....... Yes, you do know who I am. I'm just like you......
"Whose Child?"
"Whose child is this?" I asked one day
Seeing a little one out at play
"Mine", said the parent with a tender smile
"Mine to keep a little while
To bathe his hands and comb his hair
To tell him what he is to wear
To prepare him that he may always be good
And each day do the things he should"
"Whose child is this?" I asked again
As the door opened and someone came in
"Mine", said the teacher with the same tender smile
"Mine, to keep just for a little while
To teach him how to be gentle and kind
To train and direct his dear little mind
To help him live by every rule
And get the best he can from school"
"Whose child is this?" I ask once more
Just as the little one entered the door
"Ours" said the parent and the teacher as they smiled
And each tool hand of the little child
"Ours to love and train together
Ours this blessed task forever."
TO ALL PARENTS
"I'll lend you, for a little while, a child of mine," He said "For
you to love while he lives, and mourn when he is dead. It may be six or seven years, or
twenty-two, or three, but will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me? He'll
bring his charms to gladden you, and shall his stay be brief, you'll have his lovely
memories as solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, as all from earth
return, but there are lessons taught down there I want this child to learn. I've looked
the wide world over in my search for teachers true, and from the throngs that crown life's
lanes, I have selected you. Now will you give him all your love - not think the labor
vain, nor hate me when I came to call to take him back again. I fancied that I heard them
say". Dear Lord, thy will be done. For all the joy this child shall bring, the risk
of grief we'll run. We'll shower him with tenderness and love him while we may, and should
the angels call for him much sooner than we pray.
Our Gift of Love
by Herman Ross Fillingane
http://www.hermanspoetry.com/index.htm
We first look for reasons
On where to place the blame
Though their health may be different
Their heart is still the same
We're sent a child with so much love to give
With a fight inside
And a reason to live
To be touched by a love
That few will ever see
Our child can show the world
The way love should be.
Yesterday
Yesterday was the past.
Tomorrow is the future.
Today is the Gift - that's why it is called the present!
This leaves only one day --Today.
Any person can fight the battles of just one-day.
It is only when we add the burdens of yesterday and tomorrow that we break down.
It is not the experience of today that drives people mad -- It is the remorse of
bitterness for something, which happened yesterday, and the dread of what tomorrow may
bring. Let us, therefore, live one day at a time!
The Little Things
My hands were busy through the day,
I didn't have much time to play
The little games you asked me to.
I didn't have much time for you.
I'd wash your clothes, I'd sew and cook,
But when you'd bring your picture book
And ask me, please to share your fun, I'd say, "A little later son."
I'd tuck you in all safes at night,
And hear your prayers, turn out the light,
Then tiptoe softly to the door.
I wish I'd stayed a minute more.
For life is short, and years rush past,
A little boy grows up so fast.
No longer is he at your side.
His precious secrets to confide
The picture books are put away,
There are no children's games to play,
No good night kiss, no prayers to hear.
That all belongs to yesteryear.
My hands once busy, now lie still
The days are long and hard to fill.
I wish I might go back and do
The little things you asked me to.
Lifetime Memories ......... for our Children
Pause with your child - when others hurry by;
Walk with your child - when others are running;
Talk with your child - when others prefer shouting;
Listen to your child - when others appear preoccupied;
Smile with your child - when others can find only frowns;
Play with your child - when others prefer to be entertained;
Praise your child - when others can find only fault;
Learn from your child - when others have forsaken curiosity;
Dream with your child - when others have become cynical;
Read with your child - when others prefer television;
Pray with your child - when others have lost faith;
Apologize to your child - when others pretend perfection;
Discipline your child - when others fail to establish limits;
Hug your child - when others fail to sense the power of touch!
A Little Girl's Lament
I meant not to intimidate, I meant not to burden
I meant not to embarrass! I meant only to be,
to hear, to see, to feel the echoing of my love.
I came in response to the demands of nature,
of lusty expectations and the bright, dream-filled desires
But, in my inactive, rigid arms and my formless breathe,
they decayed like neglected fruit.
When I was freed from my embryonic beginning,
I felt the yielding of softness that with warmth
flowed freely to fill my delirious demand!
When my eyes cleared of egocentric tears,
I saw motion, coming disappearing coming
touching me holding me in ways gentle
tickling felling hearing contortions of laughter . . .
My body sang as time and again
I was cradled in your arms, in your warmth
and I smiled, reveling all, my teeth,
my tongue, that my heart may be seen!
Yet . . .
I could not speak of the pain you felt!
I saw life in your eyes, felt it in your touch as you
lifted me to your breast, filled
with tasty goodness; then laid me down
to watch my body grow
throughout measureless time fraught
with seeing, smiling, belly-filling light
and blinding dark . .
Light . . .Dark . . .Light again.
The pain persisted, festered
uncontrollably . . .was felt by me only
like to strain of breath against my ribs.
The pain you saw was me!
The pain you felt was mine
was your fear, dear father!
The pain you extinguished,
real though it was, was not
my torment.
The pain you relieved, Dad,
was the eleven years of life
you gave me,
Your Tracy Latimer
THE OUTSIDER
I'm handicapped and wheelchair bound
Expected to sit and not make a sound
Just to smile and let the World go by
With Saintly patience and never sigh.
Inside my head thoughts come and go
Ideas are born which long to flow
Flow from my lips and link me with others
But my words sound strange so no one bothers.
My tongue and lips do not as I ask
I cannot perform the simplest task
But I have a mind and I'm still there
Don't lock me out in your ignorance there.
Talk, though I seem not to understand
Touch me, include me, and hold my hand
I am alive and I have time to give
Let me share in the life I was given to live.
Author Unknown
WHOLE
I said he was not whole but I wonder what I meant.
He cannot walk or talk or perform any life skill
unassisted, but he can giggle and cry and flirt;
He expresses and attracts - love.
His body and mind, though constrained,
"Successfully shelter his human soul
And will do so throughout his entire life."
This - most human, most Godlike -I can affirm.
He is greater than his parts,
He is not disables in his soul.
Cherry Winkle Moore
February 6, 1993
(may be used with permission)
My Anticipated Son
I anticipated complaining of a waking baby;
Not of being grateful he's able to wake at all.
I anticipated the wonder of time rushing past,
Not of reflecting on milestones so small.
I anticipated crying at immunizations and bumps while learning his way;
Not of agonizing at more tests, evaluations, and word of more delays.
I anticipated choices over preschool, clothes, and scout troops;
Not of choices between hospitals, specialists, and which support groups.
I anticipated loving him, but enjoying his independence from me soon;
Not of loving him so much I'd want to keep him sheltered in my cocoon.
I anticipated health and perfection when my baby was inside, thinking
anything less would be tragic;
But now that he is here, my special son had worked some kind of magic.
I anticipated anger and disappointment at this fate;
Not the joy and growth and knowledge that have become mine as of late.
I anticipated something different, that is certainly true;
But that's because I never could have anticipated one I love as much as you.
Kathleen Hoppe; August 1995
To Alexandra
On Mother's Day, 1996
My sweet Angel,
What a precious gift God has given to me in you.
At first, there were so many things I did not understand . . .
Why would God give me a child who was not perfect . . .
I did not understand that it was I who could not see.
I grieved for all you would never do . . .
For the first steps you will never take,
For the tricycle you will never ride,
For the roller skates you will never own,
For the first date you will never have,
For the prom you will never go to,
For the joy that you will never know of having your own child.
I grieved for myself . . .
For never being able to hear you say " I love you, Mommy"
For never being able to teach you all the things I wanted to share with you,
For never being able to see you in a lovely wedding gown,
For the grandchildren I'll never have.
The pain of losing those things will never, ever go away.
But now I know . . . now I understand . . .
You are a very special gift.
What you have to give transcends all those things I have grieved.
How can I possibly tell you how very much you have taught me?
I am amazed that I could learn so much from a child. . . .
A child whom others think has so little to give this world . . .
And cannot speak, but you say so much . . .
You infinite patience without complaining,
You're pure and simple innocence,
Your tolerance of so much that others could not bear,
Your sheer delight in even the simplest things,
Your quick, beautiful smile even when all is not well with you.
You have shown me things in myself that I never knew were there.
You have taught me so much about life.
Now I know . . . now I understand . . .
It is you who gives me strength,
It is you who has so much to give and so much to teach me.
God has blessed me with a very special gift
. . . the gift of Alexandra. I love you.
Susan E. Hall
May 5, 1996
IT MATTERS TO THIS ONE
As I walked along the seashore, this young boy greeted me. He was tossing stranded
starfish back to the deep blue sea. I said, "Tell me why you bother, why you waste
your time this way. There's a million stranded starfish, does it matter
anyway?"
And he said, "It matters to this one. It deserves a chance to grow. It matters
to this one, I can't save them all I know. But it matters to this one, I'll return it to
the sea. It matters to this one, and it matters to me."
I walked into the classroom, The teacher greeted me. She was helping
Johnny study, he was struggling I could see. I said, "Tell me why you bother, why
waste your time this way. Johnny's only one of millions, does it matter anyway?'
And she said, "It matters to this one, he deserves a chance to
grow. It matters to this one, I can't save them all I know. But it matters to this one,
I'll help him be what he can be. It matters to this one, and it matters to me.
A Creed to Live By
Don't underestimate your worth by comparing yourself with others.
It is because we are different that each of us is special.
Don't set your goals by what other people deem important.
Only you know what is best for you.
Don't take for granted the things closest to your heart.
Cling to them as you would your life,
For without them life is meaningless.
Don't let you life slip through your fingers
by living on the past or for the future.
By living one day at a time, you live all the days of your life.
Don't give up when you still have something to give.
Nothing is really over until the moment you stop trying.
Don't be afraid to admit you are less than perfect.
It is this fragile thread that binds us together.
Don't be afraid to encounter risks.
It is by taking chances that we learn how to be brave.
Don't shut love out of your life by saying it's impossible to find.
The quickest way to receive love is to give you love;
the fastest way to lose love is to hold it too tightly;
and the best way to keep love is to give it wings.
Don't dismiss your dreams,
to be without them is to be without hope;
to be without hope is to be without purpose.
Don't run through life so fast that you forget not only
where you have been, but also where you are going.
Life is not a race, but a journey to be savored
each step of the way.
Nancy Sims
"No Longer Alone"
by Lori Kutnink
I stood at the fork in the road and I could no longer move.
I could feel a loss from within. I felt so alone.
I felt weakened and then I felt a kindred spirit, but I could not see it.
I somehow felt a small speck of hope.
I felt ashamed of my failures and then I felt a gentle hand reach to me and
touch my shoulder, but I could not see it. I somehow knew I was not alone.
I felt fear of the unknown, and then I felt a hand take mine.
But I could see no one.
I somehow knew I could face the fear now.
I felt drained and withered, and then I felt a hug.
I could see no one around me. But I knew I could go on.
I shed a tear and it rolled down my cheek.
And then I felt a tear of another.
But I saw no one. I felt I could be whole again.
I walked forward and I knew I would not walk alone.
I heard the whispers of many in my ear "We are here."
MY SON CAN
My son can stand tall
with his leg braces and someone to support him so he won't fall
My son can sit
if you help him and hold him tight
My son can speak
with his eyes, his smiles, and his mystique
My son can love
and believe me that is a gift from above
My son can be your friend
all he needs is a helping hand
There are so many things my son can do
if you believe in him, as I do
Because without belief and hope and understanding
We would all fail
And what a shame to not have even tried
Because, in trying, we can say
I truly did my best
And what more can anyone ask?
by- Beverly Lynch, mother to Nevada (cerebral palsy)
blynch@kih.net
"A Lesson From A Child"
by R.D. July 1995
Confidant and matter of fact
My young son turned to me
After my explanation of what handicapped means
He said, "God will make him walk, talk and see"
His innocence was bittersweet
A million thoughts filled my head
Inevitable truths he'll soon find out
as the cocoon of childhood is shed.
With all he'll learn that all's not fair,
And some things are not repaired
Things are lost and not returned.
People suffer from confusion and despair.
I've learned these painful things with time,
Though once I was as young.
But I looked into his bright clear eyes and saw my growing is not done.
His steady gaze challenged me to take the faith of youth
Combined with wisdom of passing time
And find eternal truth.
My son we must pray with all our strength
To have our prayers reach the gates of heaven above.
For the tears of God's children do not go unanswered
From the Holy One above.
To see through the eyes of one who's aged,
And trust with a child's heart.
That all God's ways are perfect
And we only see a small, small part!
F.R.I.E.N.D.S.H.I.P. S.U.P.P.O.R.T. E.D.U.C.A.T.I.O.N. H.U.M.O.R
by Andee Dunn (Jan 1996)
FAITH . . . that God will never give me more that I can handle
RESOURCEFULNESS. . . to find what my children need
INTELLIGENCE. . . to comprehend all the medical and technical knowledge I'll be given
ENERGY. . . for all the many trips to doctors, clinics, hospitals, schools, etc.
NEIGHBORS. . . and friends that lend a hand now and then
DETERMINATION . . . that my children will each reach his or her maximum potential
STRENGTH . . . to continue in the face of depressing odds
HUMOR . . . to teach my children there's joy in life with special needs
INTUITION. . . to be able to know the right thing at the right time
PERSEVERANCE. . . so I can fight for the rights of my children
SUPPORT . . . from others that have 'been there' before me
UNDERSTANDING . . . for those times when they do what only multiples can do
PEACE. . . in knowing that I am doing my absolute best for my children
PRACTICALITY . . . so the dishes get done and the laundry too
OPEN-MINDEDNESS . . . when looking for the best therapies for each child
REMINDERS . . . so no one or nothing is forgotten
TENDERNESS . . . that I may not be too harsh when responding to ignorance
ENDURANCE . . . to get me through the times when no one knows why it didn't work
DEDICATION . . . to repeat thousands of necessary therapies upon my children
UNCONVENTIONAL . . . so I can make use of something not usually used that way
CONFIDENCE . . . in my abilities to know what my children need
ACCEPTANCE. . . so I can thank God everyday for giving me such special children
TRUST . . . in myself and those I'm close to
INSIGHT. . . to sense what's needed by a child that can tell me their needs
ORDER. . . so there is at least a basic plan each day
NURTURANCE . . . giving it and getting it
HUMOR . . . so I don't forget to laugh when they do something funny
UNRELENTING JOY . . . so I can feel it, teach it, and give it
MILDNESS . . . for those times when the kids are rivaling siblings
OPTIMISM . . . so I can see things form a brighter point of view
READINESS . . . for the unexpected
Kids
Author unknown
Here's to the kids who are different
the kids who don't always get A's
the kids whose ears are
twice the size of there peers,
of noses that go on for days.
Here's to the kids who are different,
the kid's who are just out of step;
the kids they all tease,
who have cuts on their knees
and whose sneakers are constantly wet.
Here's to the kids who are different,
the kids with a mischievous streak;
for when they have grown
as history has shown
it's their difference that makes them unique
MORE COMING SOON!!
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