Special words to live by when living with a Very Special Child

This column was originally published in 2013.

Dear Annie: When I was in high school, I collected articles that I found inspirational and motivational. One of my most prized pieces appeared in Ann Landers’ column in 1978. It was Heaven’s Very Special Child by Edna Massimilla, who had a daughter with severe disabilities. For some reason, I cut out this letter and glued it to a piece of blue construction paper.

I carried it with me through college when I studied to be an occupational therapist. After I graduated, I packed up all of my college “memories” and stored them at my parents’ house. I married and worked for 15 years in hospitals, rehabilitation centres, nursing homes and home health care.

When my third son was born with Down syndrome, he shook, rattled and rolled our world. I had never worked with children with special needs, nor did I have any idea what it was like in “their” world. I was extremely hurt, angry and all the other emotions attached to grief. After three days, I remembered that column and, amazingly, found it at my parents’ house in the first box I opened.

My son is now 20 years old and has just graduated from high school. Yes, we have had trials, challenges and sadness, but we also have had miracles and pure joy. Would you be able to reprint this piece? My copy has yellowed, and this time, I would like to frame it.

Missouri

Dear Missouri: How prescient of you to have cut this heartwarming piece out of the newspaper when you were only in high school. We are, of course, delighted to reprint it. The first time it appeared, hundreds of readers asked for copies. We know it has touched thousands over the years.