I read a poem in Dear Abby that not only brought tears to my eyes, but opened them as well. It was written by Edna Massimilla and she wrote this poem after her daughter was born with Down’s syndrome.

I include it here because as a mom of a child with AD/HD, I often wonder why I was chosen to parent this special child when sometimes it seems I have none of the abilities, knowledge, or patience to do so.  I know there are many other moms out there just like me who so want to do the best for their child every day, but come up short many times given all of life’s other  demands.

I remember some people telling me before I had kids, that I’d have a tough time being a parent because I was very impatient. So me being an expert problem solver, I simply prayed to get more patience!  Makes sense, right?  Little did I know that instead of “getting more patience”, I was given a child with AD/HD who tests my patience every day.  Lesson – be careful what you pray for!

While my son has given me many opportunities to exercise my patience muscle, he has also given me more love, affection, compliments, and unconditional acceptance than any other human being I know.  Whether or not I’m the best parent, I know that I do the best I can every day and this is something that all parents of special needs kids need to know.

I share this poem with all of the moms (and dads) of children with any type of special need.  We may never know why were chosen, but maybe it really doesn’t matter.

Heaven’s Special Child
A meeting was held quite far from Earth.  It was time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the Lord above—“This special child will need much love.
Her progress may be very slow, accomplishment she may now show.
And she’ll require extra care from the folks she meets down there.

She may not run or laugh or play, her thoughts may seem quite far away.
So many times she will be labeled – ‘different’, ‘helpless’, and ‘disabled’.
So let’s be careful where she’s sent.
We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away the leading role they are asked to play.
But with this child sent from above comes stronger faith, and richer love.
And soon they’ll know the privilege given in their caring for their gift from heaven.

Their precious charge, so meek and mild, is heaven’s very special child.”

Jen’s Gem: Every child is different. Respect and appreciate their special gifts.