This is the fourth of 4 blogs, each exploring a different element of Special Education.

Part 4: The SPECIAL Child

My Mom and Dad have a poem hanging in their house called “Heaven’s Very Special Child”. It was written by Edna Massimilla in 1956 inspired by her experiences as the parent of a daughter who had severe disabilities. Anne Landers printed it her column in 1978 and requests for copies began pouring in. This poem has since been published on numerous web sites, and while it was originally written for Edna’s daughter, versions have been published for both sexes.

Over the past 3 blogs, I have focused on the SPECIAL buses, teachers, and parents. This poem also focuses on the parents. Yet, Edna’s descriptions of life with a special child also captures the potential for that child. Written nearly 60 years ago, it may be a little blunt (and a little less politically correct than today’s critics might like), but three lines really hit me personally… because I am a special child… all grown up.

“His progress may seem very slow”
Yes, there are things that will take longer for a child, or an adult, with some type of physical, mental, or emotional challenge to complete. For example, I read so slowly that I lose interest. It takes me longer to cook because I need to carefully read, measure, and pour. It takes me extra time to navigate my computer screen because I can never find that darn cursor.

No matter the task, the pace requires extra patience on the part of the parent. It also requires acceptance on the part of the child. Accepting the fact that it may take longer to do things simply means being prepared and planning ahead.

“He may not run or laugh or play”
Yes, there are things a special child may not be able to do. However, I have been blessed with opportunities to run, laugh, and play. For example, growing up, I couldn’t play contact sports like football or basketball, or soccer. Instead, I enjoyed running, bowling, and gymnastics.

I laugh a lot. Laughter has helped me to cope with the reality of my situation. I make fun of myself and my vision more than anyone else ever could. I can’t change it, and that’s the only time you’ll hear me use the word “Can’t”. What choices do I have? I could feel sorry for myself, but that’s not productive, or I could make the best of my situation, and that’s what I choose to do.

I have always enjoyed playing and using my imagination. Every child, with or without special needs, plays differently. Helping them discover what they can do will often come out of play. It’s safe, it’s comfortable, and play brings about unique joy.

“In many ways he won’t adapt, and he’ll be known as handicapped”
Yes, it’s true. There will be areas in life where the special child finds limitations. However, those limitations are only perceived limitations. In every blog, I give examples of how I have needed to adapt.

That’s really the key to being a special child. The ability to adapt allows for success in so many areas. That success may not be what others think it should be, or what others expect or hope for, or what society defines as success, but it is still success. The most dangerous “handicap” of all isn’t a physical, mental, or emotional challenge. No, it’s the lack of willingness to find a way to navigate beyond our perceived limitations. Don’t lower the bar, considering some of us don’t even see the bar. Instead, raise the child… by helping each one discover his or her own unique path to success. I am enjoying my journey as a special child. I thank God for my special parents, and I thank my parents for never giving up on me, and always teaching me to adapt. I also thank Edna for this beautiful poem.

“Heaven’s Very Special Child”
By Edna Massimilla, Copyright 1956

A meeting was held, quite far from earth
“It’s time again for another birth”
Said the Angels to the Lord above,
“This special child will need much love.”

His progress may seem very slow,
Accomplishments he may not show
And he’ll require extra care
From all the folks he meets down there.

He may not run or laugh or play
His thoughts may seem quite far away
In many ways he won’t adapt,
And he’ll be known as handicapped.

So let’s be careful where he’s sent
We want his life to be content
Please, Lord, find the right parents who
Will do this special job for You.

They will not realize right away
The leading role they’re 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 this gift from Heaven.
Their precious charge, so meek and mild
Is heaven’s very special child.