I am a life learning Mama and this page is where I like to share things that resonate with me in some way along this wonderful life journey we are on ♥

Saturday 14 April 2012

I am an different - but look just like you

‎I am the child that looks healthy and fine.
I was born with ten fingers and toes.
But something is different, somewhere in my mind, 
And what it is, nobody knows.
I am the child that struggles in school,
Though they say that I'm perfectly smart.
They tell me I'm lazy -- can learn if I try --
But I don't seem to know where to start. 
I am the child that won't wear the clothes 
Which hurt me or bother my feet.
I dread sudden noises,
can't handle most smells, 
And tastes -- there are few foods I'll eat.
I am the child that can't catch the ball 
And runs with an awkward gait. 
I am the one chosen last on the team. 
And I cringe as I stand there and wait. 
I am the child with whom no one will play --
The one that gets bullied and teased
I try to fit in and I want to be liked,
But nothing I do seems to please.
I am the child that tantrums and freaks
Over things that seem petty and trite. 
You'll never know how I panic inside, 
When I'm lost in my anger and fright.
I am the child that fidgets and squirms
Though I'm told to sit still and be good. 
Do you think that I choose to be out of control?
Don't you know that I would if I could?
I am the child with the broken heart 
Though I act like I don't really care.
Perhaps there's a reason I'm made this way --
Some message I'm sent to share.
For I am the child that needs to be loved
And accepted and valued too.
I am the child that is misunderstood.
I am different - but look just like you. ♥

by Kathy Winters.

This is such an honest and heartfelt portrayal of a child with Aspergers - well it is in my house! Makes me cry every time I read it! My son is doing well now, but his childhood was very like this poem in many ways and I just hope that with all my sharing of posts on 'differences' at least one person will take note and through education, children who are somewhat outside of the 'norm' will be accepted for who they are and embraced rather than ostracised! Blessings lovely people ♥

2 comments:

  1. I have a hard time with the site because you're so lovely but so bent on these labels as descriptors for your son, as if no other kids have some or all of these traits or even none and have the same label as your child. I think these labels don't solve, they are the problem. And I just find them degrading.

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    Replies
    1. Label are good as long as we do not define people solely on those labels. Without labels simple groups of common differences would be extremely hard to define, For instance is "Labelling" a teacher a "teacher" degrading? No! It just allows people to more easily communicate about a set of attributes and traits.

      If anyone finds a label degrading it is only because they believe the set of attributes/traits it represents as a degrading quality to be associated with.

      Simply a label is a tool, neither good or bad, just depends on the beholder.

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