A Special Poem for a Special Child

I was looking through a mountain of old pictures tonight and found this old Ann Landers column tucked in one of my picture boxes. I don't remember the date on it, I didn't cut that part out., but it is worth sharing.

"Dear Ann: My husband is John A. Massimilla pastor of the United Methodist Charge, Magnolia, Del. We have a severely retarded daughter.

A few years ago you printed a poem I wrote about such children. As a result, we received many letters from parents of retarded children, and have carried on a heartwarming correspondence with these parents-- hopefully giving them reassurance.

The poem, "Heaven's Very Special Child," was written purely through inspiration from a greater power. We would like to share these words once again with your readers. It can mean so much if parents learn to see their retarded child as a blessing and a special person. "

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth!

Its 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,

Accomplishment 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 things he won't adapt

And he'll be known as handicapped.

So lets be careful where he's sent.

We want his 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 roll their asked to play.

But with the 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 Massimilla