Re: The Clowns of God

[Guest guest]

Wow that is beautiful.  Going to have to print it out!  Thanks.~Mom to Aimee (4.5, DS/ASD, vision impaired) and 3 more beautiful blessingshttp://browneyedblessings.blogspot.com

 

With the " worlds worst compliment " discussion, I felt moved to share this poem.  I have changed the original words of " She " to " He " and pasted in my son's picture.  It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand.  Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience.  It is very hard for many to overcome the " ugliness " and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within.  A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains.

 Shane Avery 

from “The Clowns of God” by West

 

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign.  What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer.  I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence.  To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants.  He will never offend me, as

all of you have done.  He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands.  He is necessary to

you.  He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human.  His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune.  More!  He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand.  I have chosen you.  You

have not chosen me.  This little one is my sign

to you.  Treasure him!

 

-- Whitmire

Post-Adoption Care CoordinatorReece's Rainbow Down Syndrome Adoption Ministry

www.ReecesRainbow.org@... 

My Family Blog: http://browneyedblessings.blogspot.com

[Guest guest]

Amen! Thanks for sharing Shane!

Heidi

The Clowns of God

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains.

Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking - you need a sign.

What better one could I give than to make this little one whole and new?

I could do it, but I will not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer.

I gave this mite a gift I denied to all of you - eternal innocence.

To you, he looks imperfect but to me he is flawless,

Like the bud that dies unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the ants.

He will never offend me, as all of you have done.

He will never pervert or destroy the work of my Father's hands.

He is necessary to you.

He will evoke the kindness that will keep you human.

His infirmity will prompt you to gratitude for your own good fortune.

More! He will remind you every day that I am who I am,

That my ways are not yours, and that the smallest dust mite,

While in darkest space, does not fall out of my hand.

I have chosen you. You have not chosen me.

This little one is my sign to you. Treasure him!

[Guest guest]

What a beautiful poem. Thank you for sharing., mother of DS/ASD/Epilepsy ..... and so on To: Down Syndrome Autism Support Group on Yahoo < > Sent: Thursday, April 12, 2012 4:53 PM Subject: The Clowns of God

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

[Guest guest]

Thanks for sharing Shane. That is beautiful. Sent from my iPod

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

=

[Guest guest]

Beautiful!Sent from my iPhone

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

=

[Guest guest]

Dear Shane,Boy, do you know how to make a gal cry- the attached is beautiful and a humble reminder of the great purposes that our childrens' lives have and the many lives that they touch, just by being themselves. That genuine goodness and eternal innocence are priceless gifts in a troubled world. I am also grateful for our list serv where we can really " let our hair down " on those very frustrating, physically draining and emotionally depleting type of days. I call it " therapy " , my life-line, and a safe place to fall , with folks who really understand the trials, joys and tribulations of the journey with our kids and the world at large.Best,Mom to , 8.5 yrs. old, DS-PDD/NOSNorthern New JerseyTo: From: ds-asd@...Date: Thu, 12 Apr 2012 13:53:11 -0700Subject: The Clowns of God

With the " worlds worst compliment " discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of " She " to " He " and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the " ugliness " and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God” by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

[Guest guest]

When Matteo was born nearly 22 years ago this was the piece I encountered most often in any reading about Down Syndrome. So beautiful! I hadn't read it in years, so thanks for sharing.The other one was 'Welcome to Holland', which I've just reread ......But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things...about Holland. Well, I got to Italy and Holland at the same time!We live in a mixed area of Rome, and there are some tough people around. But when

we are out there is always someone who will smile, try to help if he blocks, or just start talking to him. He brings out the kindness in people - even those I don't necessarily expect to be kind!Wishing everyone the right combination of courage, patience (and humour!) to face tomorrow..... Da: Shane Avery MD A: Down Syndrome Autism Support Group on Yahoo < > Inviato: Giovedì 12 Aprile 2012 22:53 Oggetto: The Clowns of God

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

[Guest guest]

There's another poem, "I am Holland" written by someone with a disability. It makes me cry! Here's a link:http://www.our-sma-angels.com/margaret/poems%20and%20songs/Poems/holland2.htmSent from my iPhone

When Matteo was born nearly 22 years ago this was the piece I encountered most often in any reading about Down Syndrome. So beautiful! I hadn't read it in years, so thanks for sharing.The other one was 'Welcome to Holland', which I've just reread ......But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things...about Holland. Well, I got to Italy and Holland at the same time!We live in a mixed area of Rome, and there are some tough people around. But when

we are out there is always someone who will smile, try to help if he blocks, or just start talking to him. He brings out the kindness in people - even those I don't necessarily expect to be kind!Wishing everyone the right combination of courage, patience (and humour!) to face tomorrow..... Da: Shane Avery MD A: Down Syndrome Autism Support Group on Yahoo < > Inviato: Giovedì 12 Aprile 2012 22:53 Oggetto: The Clowns of God

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

=

[Guest guest]

I Am Hollandby Chantelle WilkesOver a decade ago you came to HollandYour ticket to Italy in handYou had been eagerly waiting to goTo see Rome, and MichelangeloThe plane instead landed in HollandI know it wasn't what you plannedTo you this was newBut I had been waiting for youYou see I am HollandSo I held you by the handYou were just the oneThe very special personI knew that you would love meDid I help you to see?The wonders of this placeThe softness of your faceI am glad you are hereI am glad you are nearYou love meUnconditionallyYou did not mind that I am slowThe little that I knowThe windmills and the tulipsThe sails and the shipsThis quite placeThe soft faceI love to hold your handFor I am HollandSent from my iPhone

There's another poem, "I am Holland" written by someone with a disability. It makes me cry! Here's a link:http://www.our-sma-angels.com/margaret/poems%20and%20songs/Poems/holland2.htmSent from my iPhone

When Matteo was born nearly 22 years ago this was the piece I encountered most often in any reading about Down Syndrome. So beautiful! I hadn't read it in years, so thanks for sharing.The other one was 'Welcome to Holland', which I've just reread ......But...if you spend your life mourning the fact that you didn't get to Italy, you may never be free to enjoy the very special, the very lovely things...about Holland. Well, I got to Italy and Holland at the same time!We live in a mixed area of Rome, and there are some tough people around. But when

we are out there is always someone who will smile, try to help if he blocks, or just start talking to him. He brings out the kindness in people - even those I don't necessarily expect to be kind!Wishing everyone the right combination of courage, patience (and humour!) to face tomorrow..... Da: Shane Avery MD A: Down Syndrome Autism Support Group on Yahoo < > Inviato: Giovedì 12 Aprile 2012 22:53 Oggetto: The Clowns of God

With the "worlds worst compliment" discussion, I felt moved to share this poem. I have changed the original words of "She" to "He" and pasted in my son's picture. It hangs on my desk at work for the last several years, to remind me that I have been given a gift that few others understand. Despite the emotional pain of caring for a child with a disability, there is still a beauty and understanding that few others have a chance to experience. It is very hard for many to overcome the "ugliness" and imperfections of the disability and look inward to see the beauty of the individual within. A thanks to all in this group for providing a place where we can share our joys, and our pains. Shane Avery

from “The Clowns of God†by West

I know what you are thinking

- you need a sign. What better one could I give

than to make this little one whole and new? I could do it, but I will

not! I am the Lord and not a conjurer. I gave this mite a gift I

denied to all of you - eternal innocence. To you, he looks imperfect

but to me he is flawless, Like the bud that dies

unopened or the fledgling that falls from the nest to be devoured by the

ants. He will never offend me, as

all of you have done. He will never pervert or destroy

the work of my Father's hands. He is necessary to

you. He will evoke the kindness

that will keep you human. His infirmity will prompt

you to gratitude for your own good fortune. More! He will remind you every day that I am who I

am, That my ways are not yours,

and that the smallest dust mite, While in darkest space, does

not fall out of my hand. I have chosen you. You

have not chosen me. This little one is my sign

to you. Treasure him!

=