Without their contributions, Family Friend Poems would not be the warm and special community it is today. my beautiful little boy, Every parent should read this poem, especially those with autistic or cleft children. I have a daughter with some learning difficulties. 'Special:' A Poem Written By a Mom For Her Special Needs Son When you start thinking about becoming a Mom the first things that pop into your mind is whether you will have a boy or a girl, what will the name be and what they will be when they grow up. Will they be okay? The Patron saint will be Cecelia, This one gets twins. Once the shock and resentment wears off, shell handle it. So as you start to do research and ask your questions, know that the traits or facts that are being given to you, may not even apply to your child. But his actions speak loud The Patron saint will be Matthew. Required fields are marked *. The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. . From the folks he meets down there. Through My Eyes by Steph L. Quayle - Family Friend Poems, Poems For Elementary Students (Grades 3-6), Poems For Primary Elementary Students (Grades K-3). sometimes just emotionally, for a day, a week, a month, without you judging me. When my sister takes me The Reitman familys gas station in Jersey City, circa 1958. My 21-year-old son has a very rare genetic disorder. This poem reads like my life and it is beautiful to see it in print. I would tell you what I am inside. to pedal the tall blue tricycle, STOP! All I see I am not burdened as you are with the strifes and conflicts of a more complicated life. I can tell this poem came from your heart. He was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy when he was 14 months old. Said the Angels to the Lord above . For all who have no desire to experience that, I feel so sorry for you. But after you've been there awhile you catch your breath, you look around . You werent like other children, You are scared! And pray they have a clue. I see that as well. you say. But she plays soberly with the sea's Please come closer and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. who hurts and loves and feels joy. She cried more than most babies. You feel alone! Come, come closer Is that a virtue? Hey it's not rocket science. He drives some mad Happy birthday! My special little boy, that Jenny is like a kitten without a tail; I continue learning sign language. I am the disabled child. He loves it. It really hurt that the government has not recognized our right and plight. you take for granted are hard for me. And you must learn a whole new language. This experience revealed to Hackie the interconnectedness of the conditions that fall under the neurodiversity umbrella, while alerting him to the in-fighting and fractured relations that often plague the organizations tasked with serving the community. I signed up for Italy! Currently he is the host of our weekly interview show Exploring Different Brains, writes blogs for the site, and tours the country speaking at conferences, conventions and private functions, all with the goal of improving the lives of neurodiverse individuals and their families, and maximizing the potential of those with different brains. Were proud that weve been chosen, The important thing is that they haven't sent you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine, and disease. There are many things Jenny does not understand. As I lay my head down on the pillow at night, exhausted from the days events, I find myself saying thank you to God for blessing me with such an amazing child. Yes here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. Everyone called her Ev, and through her example, I became an avid reader at a young age. So often we will criticize, he central struggle of parenthood is to let our hopes for our children outweigh our fears. I like sleds on soft snow, We make it through days wed never dreamed of he needs to meet Rebecca eventually went on to graduate from Georgia Tech with a degree in Discrete Mathematics, and Dr. Reitman wrote and produced a film based on her experiences there (The Square Root of 2, starring Darby Stanchfield of ABCs Scandal). Read our full mission here. Special awe of you does lurk. I find the touch of soft toys |. I have included the poem for you to all enjoy. His thoughts may seem quite far away. God made me different and unique, Absolutely accepting and totally loving, from birth, someone who is different mentally, and has a different way of seeing the world, is a wonderful trait. When you start thinking about becoming a Mom the first things that pop into your mind is whether you will have a boy or a girl, what will the name be and what they will be when they grow up. She turns them over in her slow hands, I'm am touched by the writer of this poem because I have a 3 year old baby boy who has a leg problem. Their precious child so meek and mild, . I just wish He didn't trust me so much." (Mother Teresa) I remember meeting a lady about 3 years ago while watching our daughters swim Thank you for helping us celebrate Loving. ", I'm not ashamed to admit that I dealt with a bout of postpartum depression, as I remember standing in the shower on days just crying. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. We also use a giant fly swatter that I cut a hole in to find letters, words, punctuation, etc. ", God smiles. See more ideas about special needs kids, special needs, special needs quotes. I am the child who is mentally impaired. You know, when a kitten loses its tail it is said to gain sharper ears. Mothers frequently bring out the best in us. He weighed 3 pounds 14 ounces. He does not speak, although he is very verbal. My heart swells By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. I will be there for him when you are long gone. To the world outside 3 Things I Wish I Knew At The Beginning Of Our Autism Journey, 5 Ways To Help Your Child Generalize Skills At Home, 5 Tips To Combat Negative Thoughts About Parenting Your Special Needs Child, 3 Reasons We Stopped Medicating Our Sons ADHD, Siblings Grieve Too. I cannot change the way I am, In a way, it has to be smarter. Give her a disabled child. The job that you have brought us, whether you are happy or sad or fearful, patient or impatient, full of love or if you are just doing your duty by me. So they could watch over us. But maybe he sent them here when people treat me as a big boy. Your email address will not be published. But we love our kids to death I want the toys on the shelf, I need to go to the bathroom, oh I've dropped my fork again. We know they were formed Or perhaps she listens to music we cannot hear. and for the first time in my life, Different Brains Inc. founder Harold Hackie Reitman, M.D. A very heart-touching poem. Below is a poem I have written to describe my feelings as a special needs mom. (For my beautiful son Jack, by his proud mum Nicki Zieth). I am soooo grateful to have been blessed with him as well as his 17-year-old brother! And then came youLeaving me so unsureAs I watched all the trialsThat you had to endure.I realized the thingsThat Id hoped to achieveWere all put asideAs I learned to believe.I knew it would be difficultTo wonder everydayWill my child grow up?Will he be okay?Will I make the right choicesWill I make mistakes?Lord, I know you chose me butDo I have what it takes? "This one gets twins. It's a trait I wish there was another way of getting, but there isn't. And it does involve a degree of not having it fantastically easy. Then threw the mold away, Common Mistakes: the word "i" should be capitalized, "u" is not a word, and "im" is spelled "I'm" or "I am". Nobody signs up to have a child with special needs. And then you comeRunning toward me with joyYour laughing at something,My mischievous boy.You reach for my face,As you so often doWhy you smiling Mama?Im smiling at you.I thought I had it figured outThis thing calledMotherhoodAnd then came youto change my heartSurely God is good. It touched my heart and soul. a treasure . STOP! His mode of mobility is a wheelchair, but he does not mind. At the end of the day I am only human, my emotions were very real, and my experience was very personal - it was my son with special needs.". Happy . If I appear peculiar, Toggle navigation . It's our specialty. and allow her to rise above them. Published by Family Friend Poems August 2013 with permission of the author. Copy. At first, I thought it should be pronounced "Quail" (the bird and manna that provided sustenance to the Jews in the desert). your ride into our lives I have a 5-year-old son. . The room is silent and all you are wondering is "What does all that mean?" and without you my dreams and life perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Shes so happy, Exactly, smiles God. It's all very exciting. Thank you!! And if you can nourish that light and let it shine, you have an opportunity to get closer to God, and that's grace. Anorexia Nervosa in Women on the Autism Spectrum, How COVID Changed Autism Services, with Dr. Michael Alessandri | EDB 289, Mental Health & Relationships: Dealing with an Abuser or Narcissist, Navigating Autism Acceptance Month | Spectrumly Speaking ep. Said the Angels to the Lord above, I never really try, He is my world I am the child who is mentally impaired. You where born with a disability, It's true that a tail helps a kitten run faster. But I see who he is If her hair falls into her eyes she brushes it away. What I give you is so much more valuable . and snuggly dogs comforting. That's what I had planned.". The Patron saint will be Matthew". encourage and direct. 2023 A Special Kind. . Why him? For our children we are more than moms by Mark Arnold | Apr 19, 2023 | Encouragement, Special Needs Parenting. But you only see the outside of me. We love you, our special little boy, She's so happy. I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life because she is doing my work as surely as if she is here by my side. For such a bird, flying is hard: it takes more strength, more effort, more time. by Stephanie BallardMay 6, 2015Holidays, Special Needs Parenting3 comments. Instead, it curves like a flower first opening its petals. As a former special needs teacher, I have a special place in my heart for those children that struggle just to findtheir place in our world. Part of HuffPost Parenting. This is an amazing poem!! Down Syndrome Parent Influencer & Lifestyle Blogger, Health Advocate, Author & Speaker. And pray it will come our way. Our neighbors dear friends of . And so He sent you to us, And much to our surprise, You haven t been a challenge, But a blessing in disguise. Is more than you can know. Print3.) Why this one God? . when those sweet eyes stare back at me You're my biggest inspiration. | Links | Write for Us! Said the Angels to the Lord above, This special child will need much love. I never have a doubt. I love the toys of childhood-- This one gets a daughter. . Mattel Unveils First Barbie with Down Syndrome | W.I.N. is no different Although there are days that bring with them frustrations, this loving couple is doing a wonderful job of . For challenges come their way. What he saw, threw him for a loop. People would come from far away to see it. Linda M. Johnson. Filling out forms for support I sometimes think Jenny is like a bird, a bird with very short wings. 3. A Change of Perspective: Receiving an Autism Diagnosis as an Adult, Social Spaces & Meeting People: Dating on the Autism Spectrum, Traveling With Neurodivergent Kids This Holiday Season? She will never consider any step ordinary. I am the child who cannot walk. Excellent. Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen? DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, you printed a poem about children with special needs having been sent by God to special parents who can nurture and care for them. Accomplishments he may not show. I am the child who cannot walk. I am the child who cannot talk. Is a perfect little boy Erma Bombeck's piece 'The Special Mother' Many people say that 'special children are only born to special parents', or those that are strong enough to cope. It's just a different place. The poem ends this way: "Yes, sometimes it hurts, and I don't understand How God could have done this as part of his plan. I drive you further than you would ever go on your own, working harder, seeking answers to your many questions with no answers. , Your email address will not be published. Let me have the luxury of having a vacation, sometimes physically, May God bless you and your son. Unlike as night from day. All other content on this website is Copyright 2006-2023 FFP Inc. All rights reserved. Happy Mother's day to All!! Its because as I struggle to understand neurodiversity through Different Brains, the experience of it becomes more poignant by the day. for I am a retarded child. Learn how your comment data is processed. Please come closer so you will know She will never consider a 'step' ordinary. And the pain of that well never, ever, ever, go away . Separate from Different Brains, Hackie is the founder and CEO of PCE Media, a media production company focusing on reality based content. Emily Perl Kinsley's poem is one that has . Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. And loved more. I started facing so many obstacles. Self-advocate and therapist Sean Inderbitzen explores some of the challenges of dating as an adult on the spectrum. It's as easy as 1, 2, 3:1.) . "Why this one, God? The kids LOVE to use the over-sized swatter. Simon Lewin shares the story of his adult diagnosis with autism, and how it has given him a new perspective on life. The Coronavirus Pandemic: Rays Journey With Autism. The poem, Welcome to Holland, was shared with me by a college professor in 1992. I had a heaviness inside untapped and a hole in my heart that would never heal. I didn't want to ever turn it off. And then came youAnd all my plans unraveledAs we took our first stepsDown a road much less traveled.A life of not knowingWhat each new day bringsA constant reminderTo cherish all things.I thought I possessed all Id needTo see me through this lifeLaughter, love, joy, and faithDoes anyone need strife?Of course Id face some obstaclesAlong the weary roadBut surely I was strong enoughTo carry any load. . We count our blessings, we realize the frailty and preciousness of life, we find wings we may have never had, and we, in the end, inspire others and show our children amazing and unconditional love. Guest blogger Mark Arnold explains how caregiving might be preparing you for your ikigaiyour passion and your calling. You can sign up for the first in the pop up box and the second at the bottom of this page. The same as me and you. Your winning smiles and laughter, They all deserve their day, Heaven's Very Special Child (in Memory of Jeffrey Ratliff--a very special child) A meeting was held quite far from earth, It's time again for another birth. Accomplishments he may not show. I can feel the love emanating from his eyes to me. It was given to me with a special promise to share it with anyone I may know that needs some extra support in regards to their special needs child. the wetness of rain on my forehead. I thought I knew myself so well Subscribe to ASK's Daily Digest and stay up to date. Smile, and say hello-- Dear Abby: A few years ago, you printed a poem about children with special needs having been sent by God to special parents who can nurture and care for them. Into sweet and endearing compliance. To wonder everyday but forgive me if from time to time I shed a tear for who he might have been. If she cant separate herself from the child occasionally she wont survive. Were you touched by this poem? They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability--To try and help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. Happy birthday! . There's nothing I can do, Ellen Goodman. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. . where slowness is suspect. Sent to fill our hearts with joy Mothers Day is a lovely holiday, but it can sometimes be bittersweet for moms raising kids with special needs. Staring back at me and run when I see a bee. DEAR ABBY: A few years ago, you printed a poem about children with special needs having been sent by God to special parents who can nurture and care for them. so sweet And impress ourselves sometime . Special children are just "This special child will need much love. And he'll require extra care, And hope that each one knows. All stories are moderated before being published. Being an autism parent is like living in a foreign land you were unprepared for, but you are not alone, so many of us are right there with you. Required fields are marked *. 137 likes, 7 comments - Josephine Hardman, PhD (@healer.josephine) on Instagram: "Day 23 of my #innerchildtarotchallenge - how does my inner child want to play? But for my children I now know We work on reading and one to one correspondence as we take turns reading with pointers. And to brighten up our lives. You tremble with fear? Maybe it has beautiful colors. (John C. McGinley). While snoozing in delight. God gives us what we can handle He didn't want us to be bored, In caring for this gift from Heaven. I feel not so much envy as desire, desire to stand upright, to put one foot in front of the other, to be independent. Think of me first as a person, "Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who does not know laughter? This brought tears to my eyes. Did you spell check your submission? Best of allI found it at the dollar store! and tells me a story, and And much to our surprise, Healing. I am there and have his back and always will. He makes me so proud After becoming aware of deaf community in Zambia. The Special Child - Inspirational Poem! so much love Some people don't know about such a kitten's fine ears; they only see the lack of a tail. So Im going to share with you, for your reading pleasure and inspiration, one of Erma Bombecks all-time classic articles. To take it moment by moment The costs to raise them is so high The poem, Welcome to Holland,wasshared with me by a college professor in 1992. Log in. To go there might, in a way, be like going to another planet. When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous trip--to Italy. "And she'll . He is almost never angry because he is always smiling. We only know that they have to be tended more carefully. Her oldest son, Colin is in the military. This poem touched me so deeply. Touch his cheek so soft Sometimes, Jenny would run up to her mother and clutch her tightly, for no apparent reason at all. I am a child-- The world seems to pass me by. what "tomorrow" means. I never knew how difficult it is and children call me names, A special young man you are. Keep an open mind, don't see your child as broken or "different." You may see trouble Please Lord find the right parents who, A bird with normal wings takes flying for granted, but a bird with short wings has to work much harder at learning. . And hope that each one knows. (7) To You Did you spell check your submission? Poem For Parents Of Children With Disabilities Parents of children with disabilities want their children to be accepted, included and appreciated for their abilities while being shown compassion. When I dress myself and Mother Your email address will not be published. Copy. . I feel . It touched my heart and soul. This poem speaks to the need that we all have to be accepted fro who we are. Ive never forgotten the day my mother, Evelyn Goldberg Reitman, told her nine-year-old youngest son as she was pumping gas at the family gas station in Jersey City, You have a moral obligation to work up to your full potential with the gifts that G-d has given you, to help yourself, your family, your friends, and those less fortunate. Have walked on streets paved with gold. Somehow I visualize God hovering over Earth selecting his instruments for propagation with great care and deliberation. concern or indifference, You see the longing in my eyes to get out of this chair, to run and play like other children. It keeps us on our toes, to board the minibus for school. That we need to make amends. It is like this . By what you see This child of mine you stare at so, I admire the strong, independent woman you've become. Share your story! And love them very much. ", "I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of self-pity and despair. Share Your Story Here. But most of all- Real Love. Wow, beautiful! He never expected, lively and gay. A Jenny who, on a stormy winter afternoon, sits in her rocking chair alone and rocks, holding her doll in her arms. I can fit into a world Help me not lose sight of my son in the shadow of his limitations "This one gets a son. Explore our collection of motivational and famous quotes by authors you know and love. Celebrate with me, rejoice in who he is and who he will become Convinced that overcoming these schisms could help all of society, Hackie forged the Different Brains philosophy of inclusive advocacy: Supporting Neurodiversity From Autism to Alzheimers and All Brains In Between. In fact, use one of these happy poems to comfort those in emotional pain at the service. All Rights Reserved. Do you like what you see at DifferentDream.com? She will never take for granted a spoken word. And the only opportunity for the deaf in Zambia is teaching: No deaf lawyer or doctor. From Heavenly air. How happy I was When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will be present at a miracle and know it! in age now, and in ability always. Most of all I teach you hope and faith. Dont Leave Before Reading These Tips. a kite, a balloon, a wagon to pull. I see no limits to my child's life I'd know my child's every cry-. It's time again for another birth. He only sends these little angels A Guide to Understanding The Grief Siblings of Special Needs Children Experience, How To Overcome The Shame Of Having A Child With A Disability. "Why do they laugh, Mommy?" will come his way This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. to find even a little extra time. when a snowstorm blusters outside. 2K views, 27 likes, 7 loves, 18 comments, 0 shares, Facebook Watch Videos from Dbstvstlucia: DBS MORNING SHOW & OBITUARIES 25TH APRIL 2023 APRIL 2023 No. Emily Perl Kinsley's poem is one that has helped countless families cope with the twists and turns of raising a child with special needs. however measured or far away. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. It's not over but we aren't stopping! This poem was written by the mother of a child with Down syndrome, who fully understands her child's particular needs. I'm the founder and director of (International Deaf Education, Advocacy and Leadership- Zambia) I.D.E.A.L Zambia which is affiliated to the headquarter I.D.E.A.L in San Diego, USA. But if you spend the rest of your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things . I itch when mosquitoes bite me Child of mine so special, I love you unconditionally, Brave and resilient, my heart swells with pride, I will never be able to fully express how deeply I have been touched inside. As I look down at his peaceful face sleeping, I feel such an overwhelming feeling of love, joy and pride, and I find myself saying "I can't wait to wake up and do it all again. When her child says Momma for the first time she will be present at a miracle and will know it. Later, Despite losing my hearing. Finally, he passes a name to an angel and smiles, "Give her a handicapped child. April Standifer, What I Wish For You My Son By and it is hard for me to breathe. In memory of my wonderful mother Ev, who passed away in 1986. He is the brightest light in my life. Sometimes people appear not to notice me; I always notice them. Thank you for this poem. Welcome to Holland is an insightful poem highlighting the experience of becoming a special needs parent. Return from The Special Child back to Homepage Then, I was informed that it should be read as "Kuai Ler" (HAPPINESS in Chinese). Somehow I visualize God hovering over the earth selecting his instruments of propagation with great care and deliberation. So you must go out and buy new guide books. The gondolas in Venice. You look at me with pity, pats my head, saying, "Good job, I know that you will continue to grow. You are also agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Respected We are very good at publishing contemporary poems that readers love. Holland even has Rembrandts. is an author, filmmaker, retired orthopedic surgeon, former professional heavyweight boxer, the past chairman and president (and current board member) of The Boys and Girls Clubs of Broward County, and a neurodiversity advocate. The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. Down Syndrome! I am Zambian citizen and Deafness is my disability. Were you touched by this poem? And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. I was lucky enough to be chosen to be your mother. I teach you giving. This is an amazing poem!! And God was well aware, The stewardess comes in and says, "Welcome to Holland!". For most of us, we face our lives enmeshed with a special needs child with an incredible amount of strength and courage. I hope that thru this poem, their voices will be heard. Come a little closer She has just enough selfishness. Will do a special job for You. My eyes darted back and forth, but that wasn't to be. And so we came to understand that Jenny's world was a little different, unknown to us in some ways. There are white roses and pink roses and yellow roses, and of course lots of red roses. ", God nods. I guess that I was wrong, It is said that dolphins have a language and a music of their own, carried by the waves. Comes stronger faith and richer love. Jenny is different, too. Amy R. Campbell, A Mother And Her Son By Why us? She enjoys writing poetry and life lessons about her journey in life. who goes to second grade. Be one of those people She will never be alone. But others are so much harder Forrest, Marjorie, daughter, patron saint, Cecilia. You cannot conceive my isolation, so complete it is at times. when I turned on the right faucet both feet pedaled in the same direction I don't want their sympathy; Though it is comfortable to be babied, The unbroken children splash and shout, big. For challenges come their way. Because my darling you are a special blessing, Off to one side was a small group. Dare To Accept: A Poem About Autism Acceptance, 3 Ways You Can Show Acceptance To Autism Families. Neurodiverse In The Open: To Self-Identify Or Not? I salute you. When she describes a tree or a sunset to her blind child, she will see it as few people ever see my creations. Why compare one against the other? Her struggles and recovery put him on the road to, through 26 professional heavyweight boxing matches, raising money for childrens charities (to which he donated every fight purse). . As I've accepted you. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child less than perfect. Jenny is like a blue rose, delicate and lovely. Jessica Leving offers tips to help neurodiverse families travel with minimal stress this holiday season. I found out I was strong. I like to let go at the top of a slide She will never take for granted a 'spoken word.' You have come so far. Whatever may be the correct pronunciation, I wish the writer and her loved ones JOY, especially in times of adversity. By And to have a good time doingit. She always emphasized the last part, and added, Never lose your sense of humor.. Music we cannot hear because our ears are not fine enough. I love my child with an intensity that you can only imagine. We can learn so very much. And like my mom, Erma was ahead of her time a more than equal member of the household, a well read working woman who could more than hold her own in conversations with educated men. But sometime they fight so much You see, Jenny is different. For this poem we made up movements for each line.