Re: A little something I found on the web to share

[Guest guest]

The Special Mother

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social

pressures and a couple by habit.

This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped children.

Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments for

propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He instructs

His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

" Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to

profanity. "

" Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. "

" Rutledge, ; twins. Patron saint, . "

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, " Give her a handicapped

child. "

The angel is curious. " Why this one God? She's so happy. "

" Exactly, " smiles God, " Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who

does not know laughter? That would be cruel. "

" But has she patience? " asks the angel.

" I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea of

self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll

handle it. "

" I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that

is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to

give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her world and

that's not going to be easy. "

" But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you. " God smiles, " No matter,

I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness. " The

angel gasps - " selfishness? is that a virtue? "

God nods. " If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally,

she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a child

less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied.

She will never take for granted a 'spoken word' " . She will consider a

step " ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will

be present at a miracle, and will know it! "

" I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty,

prejudice....and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone.

I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she

is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side " .

" And what about her Patron saint? " asks the angel, his pen poised in

mid-air.

God smiles, " A mirror will suffice. "

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 7/3/2006 4:15:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

louandy@... writes:

always thought that Erma Bombeck wrote this. Did she?

Brigid

Brigid, I sent the poem by Erma Bombeck to the group. Let me know if you do

not get it. It's another tear jerker -- right up there with Welcome to

Holland. But I think with our dual diagnosis we didn't even land in Holland.

We're off in some 3rd world country trying to make sense of it all.

Patty

[Guest guest]

When was born 43 ½ yrs ago Andy’s mother was in the hospital after

a heart attack. Everyone wondered how to tell her about and her Dr

gave her this poem, later it was given to us and it is in front of

’s Baby Book. Last year when we wrote, “This Is ’s Story” we

included it in the story. Louise

A little something I found on the web to share

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth

It was time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above –

" This special child will need much love.

" Her progress may be very slow

" Accomplishment she may not show.

" And she'll require extra care

" From the folks she meets down there.

" She may not run or laugh or play

" Her thoughts may seem quite far away

" So many times she will be labeled

" 'different,-' 'helpless' and disabled.

" So, let's be careful where she's sent.

" We want her 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 role they are 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. "

--

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[Guest guest]

I always thought that Erma Bombeck wrote this. Did she?

Brigid

A little something I found on the web to share

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth

It was time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above -

" This special child will need much love.

" Her progress may be very slow

" Accomplishment she may not show.

" And she'll require extra care

" From the folks she meets down there.

" She may not run or laugh or play

" Her thoughts may seem quite far away

" So many times she will be labeled

" 'different,-' 'helpless' and disabled.

" So, let's be careful where she's sent.

" We want her 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 role they are 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. "

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

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No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

[Guest guest]

>

> When was born 43 ½ yrs ago Andy's mother was in the hospital

after

> a heart attack. Everyone wondered how to tell her about and

her Dr

> gave her this poem, later it was given to us and it is in front of

> 's Baby Book. Last year when we wrote, " This Is 's Story "

we

> included it in the story. Louise

>

> A little something I found on the web to share

>

> HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

>

> A meeting was held quite far from Earth

>

> It was time again for another birth.

>

> Said the Angels to the Lord above –

>

> " This special child will need much love.

>

> " Her progress may be very slow

>

> " Accomplishment she may not show.

>

> " And she'll require extra care

>

> " From the folks she meets down there.

>

> " She may not run or laugh or play

>

> " Her thoughts may seem quite far away

>

> " So many times she will be labeled

>

> " 'different,-' 'helpless' and disabled.

>

> " So, let's be careful where she's sent.

>

> " We want her 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 role they are 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. "

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> When was born 43 ½ yrs ago Andy's mother was in the hospital

after

> a heart attack. Everyone wondered how to tell her about and

her Dr

> gave her this poem, later it was given to us and it is in front of

> 's Baby Book. Last year when we wrote, " This Is 's Story "

we

> included it in the story. Louise

>

> A little something I found on the web to share

>

> HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

>

> A meeting was held quite far from Earth

>

> It was time again for another birth.

>

> Said the Angels to the Lord above –

>

> " This special child will need much love.

>

> " Her progress may be very slow

>

> " Accomplishment she may not show.

>

> " And she'll require extra care

>

> " From the folks she meets down there.

>

> " She may not run or laugh or play

>

> " Her thoughts may seem quite far away

>

> " So many times she will be labeled

>

> " 'different,-' 'helpless' and disabled.

>

> " So, let's be careful where she's sent.

>

> " We want her 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 role they are 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. "

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Louise, I was given that poem too when Karlie was a baby in the CICU

at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and I also kept it and put it

in her baby book! I had for gotten about it, thanks for sharing it.

Sandy

>

> When was born 43 ½ yrs ago Andy's mother was in the hospital

after

> a heart attack. Everyone wondered how to tell her about and

her Dr

> gave her this poem, later it was given to us and it is in front of

> 's Baby Book. Last year when we wrote, " This Is 's Story "

we

> included it in the story. Louise

>

> A little something I found on the web to share

>

> HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

>

> A meeting was held quite far from Earth

>

> It was time again for another birth.

>

> Said the Angels to the Lord above –

>

> " This special child will need much love.

>

> " Her progress may be very slow

>

> " Accomplishment she may not show.

>

> " And she'll require extra care

>

> " From the folks she meets down there.

>

> " She may not run or laugh or play

>

> " Her thoughts may seem quite far away

>

> " So many times she will be labeled

>

> " 'different,-' 'helpless' and disabled.

>

> " So, let's be careful where she's sent.

>

> " We want her 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 role they are 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. "

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this incoming message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

> --

> No virus found in this outgoing message.

> Checked by AVG Free Edition.

> Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date:

6/27/2006

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

I have Author Unknown. I never found who wrote it and I searched at one

time. Louise

Re: A little something I found on the web to share

I always thought that Erma Bombeck wrote this. Did she?

Brigid

A little something I found on the web to share

HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

A meeting was held quite far from Earth

It was time again for another birth.

Said the Angels to the Lord above -

" This special child will need much love.

" Her progress may be very slow

" Accomplishment she may not show.

" And she'll require extra care

" From the folks she meets down there.

" She may not run or laugh or play

" Her thoughts may seem quite far away

" So many times she will be labeled

" 'different,--' 'helpless' and disabled.

" So, let's be careful where she's sent.

" We want her 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 role they are 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. "

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

[Guest guest]

Our friend indyred first posted this. I am guessing she lives in

Indianapolis, IN which reminds me we will be stopping by Indy to see my

brother next weekend when we go to fort for a 50th Wedding

Anniversary of a friend from nurses training and college whose wedding I

was in. Louise

A little something I found on the web to share

>

> HEAVEN'S VERY SPECIAL CHILD

>

> A meeting was held quite far from Earth

>

> It was time again for another birth.

>

> Said the Angels to the Lord above –

>

> " This special child will need much love.

>

> " Her progress may be very slow

>

> " Accomplishment she may not show.

>

> " And she'll require extra care

>

> " From the folks she meets down there.

>

> " She may not run or laugh or play

>

> " Her thoughts may seem quite far away

>

> " So many times she will be labeled

>

> " 'different,--' 'helpless' and disabled.

>

> " So, let's be careful where she's sent.

>

> " We want her 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 role they are 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. "

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

[Guest guest]

Patty thanks, I don’t recall reading this before. Louise

Re: A little something I found on the web to share

The Special Mother

by Erma Bombeck

Most women become mothers by accident, some by choice, a few by social

pressures and a couple by habit.

This year nearly 100,000 women will become mothers of handicapped

children.

Did you ever wonder how mothers of handicapped children are chosen?

Somehow I visualize God hovering over earth selecting his instruments

for

propagation with great care and deliberation. As He observes, He

instructs

His angels to make notes in a giant ledger.

" Armstrong, Beth; son. Patron saint...give her Gerard. He's used to

profanity. "

" Forrest, Marjorie; daughter. Patron saint, Cecelia. "

" Rutledge, ; twins. Patron saint, . "

Finally He passes a name to an angel and smiles, " Give her a handicapped

child. "

The angel is curious. " Why this one God? She's so happy. "

" Exactly, " smiles God, " Could I give a handicapped child to a mother who

does not know laughter? That would be cruel. "

" But has she patience? " asks the angel.

" I don't want her to have too much patience or she will drown in a sea

of

self-pity and despair. Once the shock and resentment wears off, she'll

handle it. "

" I watched her today. She has that feeling of self and independence that

is so rare and so necessary in a mother. You see, the child I'm going to

give her has her own world. She has to make her live in her world and

that's not going to be easy. "

" But, Lord, I don't think she even believes in you. " God smiles, " No

matter,

I can fix that. This one is perfect - she has just enough selfishness.- "

The

angel gasps - " selfishness? is that a virtue? "

God nods. " If she can't separate herself from the child occasionally,

she'll never survive. Yes, here is a woman whom I will bless with a

child

less than perfect. She doesn't realize it yet, but she is to be envied.

She will never take for granted a 'spoken word' " . She will consider a

step " ordinary. When her child says 'Momma' for the first time, she will

be present at a miracle, and will know it! "

" I will permit her to see clearly the things I see...ignorance, cruelty,

prejudice...-.and allow her to rise above them. She will never be alone.

I will be at her side every minute of every day of her life, because she

is doing My work as surely as if she is here by My side " .

" And what about her Patron saint? " asks the angel, his pen poised in

mid-air.

God smiles, " A mirror will suffice. "

--

No virus found in this incoming message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

--

No virus found in this outgoing message.

Checked by AVG Free Edition.

Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.5/377 - Release Date: 6/27/2006

[Guest guest]

Patty,

Thank you. Both are very good. I must have confused one with the other.

Brigid

Re: A little something I found on the web to share

In a message dated 7/3/2006 4:15:34 P.M. Eastern Standard Time,

louandy@... writes:

always thought that Erma Bombeck wrote this. Did she?

Brigid

Brigid, I sent the poem by Erma Bombeck to the group. Let me know if you do

not get it. It's another tear jerker -- right up there with Welcome to

Holland. But I think with our dual diagnosis we didn't even land in Holland.

We're off in some 3rd world country trying to make sense of it all.

Patty