My New Friend

This week, I made a new friend.
We have a special connection,
though she can't see very well,
and no conversations can we have
well, the kind with words anyway.

Her eyes are deep and mystified
she often misses my gaze,
my focus, but not my intent, mind you.

My new friend will never be like me, but
I wish to be like she,
so simple and free-minded.

My new friend is full of love and
trust, for that has not
yet been violated and she feels
safe, for now, in this Big Scary world.

My new friend, you see,
is but three
She is pure of heart and
loves to sing.
She gives hugs away and
likes to cuddle and play,


My friend, she is innocent, and vulnerable
and forever will be different,
for she isn't like the rest,
she is special and fragile,
sweet Emily.

This week I have had the ultimate priveledge to work in a classroom with children with special needs. I wrote this about the little girl I have been taking care of who has Down Syndrome. Her name is Emily. She has touched my heart in a special way and I wish to express my deep admiration for the people that work with these kids everyday.
It truly takes an enormous amount of patience and dedication to spend the day caring for these children; not only tending toward their outstanding physical needs, but their extraordinary emotional needs as well. They are fragile, these babies, and my heart both aches and sings for them.