We have an adoption post-placement visit tonight
so I might not be able to finish my
World Down Syndrome Day post today.
In honor of World Down Syndrome Day
I wanted to share my favorite poem
written by Nancy Tupper Ling
about her friend's daughter with Down Syndrome.
This poem brings tears to my eyes
and reminds me of my girls.
Our Fragile Emissary
by Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.
by Nancy Tupper Ling
With modern screening and such
they wonder why
you're here, on this earth
in our home
and in our arms,
after all, anyone
with any sense would have resolved
this problem of you
pre-birth, pre pain.
Blonde Beauty,
tiny as you are,
you catch their stares,
strangers' second glances
into tender baby blues.
And your young
sweet ears hear whisperings
("Down's," "defects")
words dropped loosely
at extra-chromosomed girls.
With such stinging receptions
how we long to shelter you,
surround you; keep your
gentle smiles to ourselves.
Instead, we hold you
up, for others to see;
let you, our fragile emissary
speak to an imperfect world.
I love this picture!
ReplyDeleteLexi is like "Um hey lila, I have big plans for this world... are you coming with me big sis?!" Love these babes... love your fam so much
ReplyDeleteLove the poem!! And now I am completely tearing up! :)
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to hear how the adoption meeting went!