Heaven’s Very Special Child

A meeting was held quite far from Earth.
“It’s time for another birth.”
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
“This special child will need much love.”

“Her progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments she may not show,
And she’ll require extra care
From the folks she will meet down there.

“She may not run, or laugh, or play.
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways she won’t adapt,
And she’ll be known as handicapped.

“So let’s be careful where she’s sent,
We want her life to be content.
Please Lord, find parents who
Will do a special job for you.

“They will not realise straight 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 the gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild,
Is Heaven’s very special child.”

This poem was written by Edna Massimilla. It was first published in The Optimist – the newsletter for PROUD, Parents’ Regional Outreach for Understanding Downs, Inc.