A Poem : A Walk in My Shoes

[Guest guest]

A Walk in My ShoesC. Waeltermann, 2007Twas the Night Before ChristmasAnd all through the houseThe creatures were stirringYes, even the mouseWe tried melatonin And gave a hot bathBut the holiday jittersThey always distractThe children were finallyAll nestled in bedWhen nightmares of terrorRan through my OWN headDid I get the right giftThe right colorAnd styleWould there be a tantrumOr even, maybe, a smile?Our relatives comeBut they don't understandThe pleasure he getsJust from flapping his hands."He needs discipline," they say"Just a well-needed smack,You must learn to parent.."And on goes the attackWe smile and nodBecause we know deep insideThe argument is mootLet them all take a sideWe know what it's likeTo live with the spectrumThe struggles and triumphsAchievements, regressions….But what they don't knowAnd what they don't seeIs the joy that we feelOver simplicityHe said "hello"He ate something green!He told his first lie!He did not cause a scene!He peed on the pottyWho cares if he's ten,He stopped saying the same thingAgain and again!Others don't realizeJust how we can copeHow we bravely hang onAt the end of our ropeBut what they don't seeIs the joy we can't hideWhen our children with autismMake the tiniest strideWe may look at othersWithout the problems we faceWith jealousy, hatredOr even distaste,But what they don't knowNor sometimes do weIs that children with autismBring simplicity.We don't get excitedOver expensive thingsWe jump for joyWith the progress work bringsChildren with autismTry hard every dayThat they make us proudMore than words can say.They work even harderThan you or ITo achieve something smallTo reach a star in the skySo to those who don't get itOr can't get a clueTake a walk in my shoesAnd I'll assure you…That even 10 minutesInto the walkYou'll look at meWith respect, even shock.You will realizeWhat it is I go throughAnd the next time you judgeI can assure youThat you won't say a thingYou'll be quiet and learn,Like the years that I didWhen the tables were turned.

[Guest guest]

Fantastic poem, will definitely be showing it to some family members.

Merry Christmas

Stacey