“What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14, NIV 1984).
My Musings – You were never destined for greatness, as the world measures greatness. The severe physical and mental handicaps suffered at birth prevented that. The prisoner of a broken body and broken mind, developmentally you remained an infant for all of your nine years.
You were never destined for the long life that so many covet. In frail health, you seemed to recover from one serious illness just in time to begin the next one. Until the final illness that claimed your life.
These things, perhaps, would indicate a life of little or no significance. And yet if insignificant, then how do we explain the sense of loss that we still feel after so many years? It is explained by realizing that our loss would be so much greater had you never been a part of our lives.
Unable to say that you loved us, you taught us how deep love can really be. Too weak to wage a valiant fight against the tremendous odds you faced, you taught us a thing or two about courage and faith. You were a living portrait from God. Reminding us that if all we live for is what life gives us, then we are the ones who are handicapped by such a limited view.
- Greatness? Perhaps not in the World’s view. But in our mind, for sure.
- Long life? Not as measured by the calendar, but when measured by the memories you left us with, eternal.
- Insignificant? The impact you had on so many other lives cannot be fully measured.
- Loss? Because we gained so much from you while you were with us and it hurts so deeply to be separated.
But we will not be separated forever. Someday we too will be a memory for someone else to recall. But when they do, we will have been reunited with you. For this we thank a God who understands. For you see, He lost a Son once too.
My Advice – Make memories while you can. Someday, that you may not be able to make any more with the ones you hold dear. But the ones you make, while you can, will be a part of your forever.
HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
A meeting was held quite far from Earth!
It’s time again for another birth.
Said the Angels to the LORD above,
This Special Child will need much love.
His progress may be very slow
Accomplishments he may not show.
And he’ll require extra care
From the folks he meets down there.
He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away,
In many ways he won’t adapt,
And he’ll be known as handicapped.
So let’s be careful where he’s sent,
We want his life to be content.
Please LORD, find the parents [and a brother] who
Will do a special job for you.
They will not realize right away
The leading role they’re 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 caring for their gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD.
by Edna Massionilla
December 1981
The Optomist- newsletter for PROUD
Parents Regional Outreach for Understanding Down’s Inc.
