Guest guest Posted December 26, 2002 Report Share Posted December 26, 2002 To All, I just read the poem, " Welcome to Holland " and now I understand the discussion! I began to explain my thoughts on Holland (I have an office in Amsterdam and have been there many times) and, somehow, this popped out of my computer. And, while the story has great significance, we cannot forget the Dutch position on those less able. Or, possibly, that is part of the story; and part of our fight. As my old college roommate used to say, " I am a poet And, I know it. Just look at my feet, They're Longfellows! " And, my work isn't even that good! Home in Holland by Ed Nemeth Holland is my Home, Though, I dreamed of Rome. Life leads by chance, Controlling circumstance. Makes Holland my Home. Our office in Amsterdam, Exists for Client's demands. I've visited many times. I go to satisfy needs, Theirs, I always heed. I've traveled once to Rome. My wife lived there a year, Tales of fun and freedom I often did hear! We dreamed of journeying to make it home! But, life's chance brought us its tear. I love Holland's banal weather, mundane food. The Dutch are friendly, often good. Egalitarian, their mood. Feet on the ground, Though, under water they're bound. Holland's not Heaven, but is a vault. Freedom's excess bring life to a halt. Disabilities are victims' own fault. Euthanasia rids persons unfit. The aged, and disabled are hit! As I keep so near, She has nothing ever to fear. Always be safe and ever so dear. Maybe she'll never travel to Rome. But, where ever she is, is our home! --------------------------------- Ok. My feet aren't even Longfellows! It's rough and can be easily picked apart. Oh well, I tried! Happy Holidays! Ed Nemeth At 02:14 AM 12/25/2002 -0800, you wrote: >Amy, > >What is this poem? Where can I read it? > >Thanks! > >Ed > >At 09:18 AM 12/24/2002 -0500, you wrote: > >Poem - Welcome to Holland (I think this was first time I truly cried and > >understood how our lives were to be effected) > > J. Nemeth >President, CEO >Spectrum Events >916-856-7044 x 339 Phone >916-856-7040 Fax > > > >_._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._._. >Unrestricted downloads of 50+ pdf files on HBOT efficacy >medicaid/files/ and >HDO-documentation/files/ > >Download your state EPSDT program >http://www.hcfa.gov/medicaid/stateplan/Map.asp by doing a search on the >word " ameliorate " . State Medicaid websites >http://www.medi-cal.ca.gov/RelSites_Oth_States.asp . Medicaid waiver >programs: http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Villa/1029/medicaid.html > >Find a hyperbaric clinic http://www.netnet.net/mums/hbolist.htm > >HBOT can save billions of dollars and millions of heartaches. Subscribe to > by sending a blank email to >mailto:medicaid-subscribe > >Unsubscribe? Click here mailto:medicaid-unsubscribe . > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Thanks! ________________________________ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of skyley8@... Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 1:40 PM Subject: welcome to holland Here it is. xoxo, Ellie and Riley 7 poly " I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this.... " " When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guidebooks and make your wonderful plans.The Coliseum. The Michelangelo . The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. " " After months of eager anticipation the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, " Welcome to Holland. " " Holland?! " you say, " What do you mean, Holland? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. " " But there's been a change in the flight plan. Theyve landed in Holland and there you must stay. " " The important thing is that they havent taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. " " So you must go out and buy new guidebooks. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. " " It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after youve been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around, and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills, Holland has tulips.Holland has Rembrandts. " " But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy, and they're all bragging about how wonderful a time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say, " Yes that's where I was supposed to go. Thats what I had planned. " " And the pain of that will never, ever, ever go away, because the loss of that dream is a very significant loss. " " 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. " Pearl Kingsley submitted by Kathleen Birch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Here is the original and a follow up that was sent to me several months ago. Liz Welcome to Holland Perl Kingsley c1987 by Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved. I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo . The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, " Welcome to Holland. " " Holland?!? " you say. " What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. " But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say " Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned. " And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. 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. copyright 1995-2003 all rights reserved Subject: Follow up to Welcome to Holland by Parent Advocate I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned. I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger - the pain and uncertainty. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time. I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends. Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad. I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today? Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its' tulips, windmills and Rembrandts. I have come to love Holland and call it Home. I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer. Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined! ( is a parent, advocate and presently the executive director of the Family Support Institute in Vancouver, BC) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 Thanks! ________________________________ From: [mailto: ] On Behalf Of liz smith Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 1:45 PM Subject: RE: Welcome to Holland Here is the original and a follow up that was sent to me several months ago. Liz Welcome to Holland Perl Kingsley c1987 by Perl Kingsley. All rights reserved. I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo . The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, " Welcome to Holland. " " Holland?!? " you say. " What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. " But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say " Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned. " And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very very significant loss. 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. copyright 1995-2003 all rights reserved Subject: Follow up to Welcome to Holland by Parent Advocate I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned. I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger - the pain and uncertainty. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time. I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends. Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad. I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today? Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its' tulips, windmills and Rembrandts. I have come to love Holland and call it Home. I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer. Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined! ( is a parent, advocate and presently the executive director of the Family Support Institute in Vancouver, BC) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 I would like a copy of this as well if someone doesn't mind sending it to me. Kaylee was just diagnosed in Jan this year and we are struggling big time. Thanks, and Kaylee, 2 pauci Welcome to Holland I am wondering if anyone has the " welcome to Holland " poem stuck somewhere in their e-mail stuff. Unfortunately I have met a family that lives just a few blocks from my home that has just discovered their daughter has JRA. I have been collecting some things that I want them to look at to help shorten their learning curve. I like this poem because it describes the struggle we have gone thru with discovering our children have the disease. I would appreciate a copy. Thanks and Allie (9poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 6, 2005 Report Share Posted July 6, 2005 ooops! disregard I hadn't read all my mail when I sent the previous one thanks Welcome to Holland I am wondering if anyone has the " welcome to Holland " poem stuck somewhere in their e-mail stuff. Unfortunately I have met a family that lives just a few blocks from my home that has just discovered their daughter has JRA. I have been collecting some things that I want them to look at to help shorten their learning curve. I like this poem because it describes the struggle we have gone thru with discovering our children have the disease. I would appreciate a copy. Thanks and Allie (9poly) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2005 Report Share Posted November 21, 2005 Welcome To Holland (unknown author) I am often asked to describe the experience of raising a child with a disability - to try to help people who have not shared that unique experience to understand it, to imagine how it would feel. It's like this...... When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo . The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, " Welcome to Holland. " " Holland?!? " you say. " What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. " But there's been a change in the flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would never have met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while and you catch your breath, you look around.... and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills....and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandt's. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy... and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say " Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned. " And the pain of that will never, ever, ever, ever go away... because the loss of that dream is a very, very significant loss. 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. The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, should be the first and only object of good government. Jefferson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 21, 2005 Report Share Posted November 21, 2005 Thank you for letting me know the authors name, it is always nice to know who writes these inspirational pieces :-) and for credit to be given were it is deserved. Hugs Sallie At 05:31 p.m. 21/11/2005 -0500, you wrote: >The author of this lovely piece is Perl Kingsley, one of the >original writers for Sesame Street. has a child with Down Syndrome. The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, should be the first and only object of good government. Jefferson. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2006 Report Share Posted June 18, 2006 Hi Liz, Thanks for re-posting this. It does seem like the perfect time, especially for all of our new folks. I still remember the first time someone emailed it to me, from the Still's list. I appreciate the message just as much now but ... it no longer reduces me to tears I think that shows that I'm understanding it better, these days. The photo you posted of in the group's album is amazing. Thanks for sharing. She is such a beautiful young woman, with a very warm smile and a sparkle in her eyes. Kayla just loved her dress! Have a great weekend, Georgina Welcome to Holland It seems like a good time to resend this, with so many new parents and so many anniversaries. Liz (, 14) Welcome to Holland By: Perl Kingsley When you're going to have a baby, it's like planning a fabulous vacation trip - to Italy. You buy a bunch of guide books and make your wonderful plans. The Coliseum. The Michelangelo . The gondolas in Venice. You may learn some handy phrases in Italian. It's all very exciting. After months of eager anticipation, the day finally arrives. You pack your bags and off you go. Several hours later, the plane lands. The stewardess comes in and says, " Welcome to Holland. " " Holland?!? " you say. " What do you mean Holland?? I signed up for Italy! I'm supposed to be in Italy. All my life I've dreamed of going to Italy. " But there's been a change in flight plan. They've landed in Holland and there you must stay. The important thing is that they haven't taken you to a horrible, disgusting, filthy place, full of pestilence, famine and disease. It's just a different place. So you must go out and buy new guide books. And you must learn a whole new language. And you will meet a whole new group of people you would have never met. It's just a different place. It's slower-paced than Italy, less flashy than Italy. But after you've been there for a while you catch your breath, you look around. and you begin to notice that Holland has windmills. and Holland has tulips. Holland even has Rembrandts. But everyone you know is busy coming and going from Italy. and they're all bragging about what a wonderful time they had there. And for the rest of your life, you will say " Yes, that's where I was supposed to go. That's what I had planned. " And the pain of that will never, ever, ever go away. because the loss of that dream is a very, very significant loss. But. if you spend you 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. Follow up to Welcome to Holland by , Parent Advocate I have been in Holland for over a decade now. It has become home. I have had time to catch my breath, to settle and adjust, to accept something different than I'd planned. I reflect back on those years of past when I had first landed in Holland. I remember clearly my shock, my fear, my anger - the pain and uncertainty. In those first few years, I tried to get back to Italy as planned, but Holland was where I was to stay. Today, I can say how far I have come on this unexpected journey. I have learned so much more. But, this too has been a journey of time. I worked hard. I bought new guidebooks. I learned a new language and I slowly found my way around this new land. I have met others whose plans had changed like mine, and who could share my experience. We supported one another and some have become very special friends. Some of these fellow travelers had been in Holland longer than I and were seasoned guides, assisting me along the way. Many have encouraged me. Many have taught me to open my eyes to the wonder and gifts to behold in this new land. I have discovered a community of caring. Holland wasn't so bad. I think that Holland is used to wayward travelers like me and grew to become a land of hospitality, reaching out to welcome, to assist and to support newcomers like me in this new land. Over the years, I've wondered what life would have been like if I'd landed in Italy as planned. Would life have been easier? Would it have been as rewarding? Would I have learned some of the important lessons I hold today? Sure, this journey has been more challenging and at times I would (and still do) stomp my feet and cry out in frustration and protest. And, yes, Holland is slower paced than Italy and less flashy than Italy, but this too has been an unexpected gift. I have learned to slow down in ways too and look closer at things, with a new appreciation for the remarkable beauty of Holland with its tulips, windmills and Rembrandts. I have come to love Holland and call it Home. I have become a world traveler and discovered that it doesn't matter where you land. What's more important is what you make of your journey and how you see and enjoy the very special, the very lovely, things that Holland, or any land, has to offer. Yes, over a decade ago I landed in a place I hadn't planned. Yet I am thankful, for this destination has been richer than I could have imagined! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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