POEMS FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

If I could share my thoughts with you
I know you’d lend an ear
For one thing my heart holds as true
Is, mom, you’re always near

So let’s pretend it’s me you hear
On this, your special day
And that in spirit, I am there
Just know, I found a way

So come and walk again with me
But this time, let us go
Beyond the pain and misery
Come with me, so you’ll know

I feel how much you care for me
I know your sweet embrace
And though my big brown eyes can’t see
I’ll not forget your face

For inside, there’s a multitude
Of memories alive
Like when in school, I knew that you’d
Be there, when I was five

And memories of me skating
Running, laughing, as I’d play
All placed on tapes creating
Dreams I treasure to this day

And later, as my health declined
From problems with my blood
In hospital I was confined
Again I felt so loved

With life support connected
Fifteen days, mom, there you stayed
To make sure I was protected
And to love me, as you prayed

Since that time, I am not able
To tell you just how I feel
But although I am disabled
In my silence, I’ll reveal

Don’t you worry that I’ll never
Walk or talk like daughters do
If this wheelchair is forever
Mom, I know I still have you

And my heart is thankful also
For the things that you have done
To extend my life, so please know
Could I walk, to you I’d run

In your heart, I am a jewel
Though in bed I often lay
For you found a special school
Where I’m cared for everyday

And I know that if tomorrow
Takes this class away from me
It will fill your heart with sorrow
But on this you will agree

We have people who are fighting
They won’t let this issue slide
For together they’re uniting
And, mom, dad is by their side

So now it’s time again to smile
And here, also, I must add
You have made my life worthwhile
And you’ve done this with my dad!

If I could talk, I’m sure I’d say
Dear mom, you are the best
For all the love you send my way
Proves that I’m truly blessed

I’d also let you know that I
Am thankful, oh so much
For letting me, your little boy
Behold a teacher’s touch

Though I may never read and write
My classroom, I have found
Brings so much joy to me despite
The threats to shut it down

I know that everything you do
Is done to keep me near
The teachers and assistants you
Trust with my daily care

I’m sure I speak for others too
Like all my special friends
With moms who recognize, like you
Our welfare, it depends

On being in a special class
Where all our needs are met
And health, it never comes in last
To cause our moms to fret

You see, my classroom, is a place
Where special children go
Removing such a vital space
Would on us then bestow

A room where children congregate
Though normal, they must know
A class like this could devastate
A child they will outgrow

And, yes, we are disabled
And our status is severe
So, therefore, why are we labeled
As a child for “normal” care

I’d tell you mom, if I could speak
Like you have, since my birth
The world would know, it is the meek
Who shall inherit earth

And if I lose, what I have known
For years of eight, so far
I know that you will keep me home
And close to where you are

For you would lose contentment
If I lose my solid ground
Wondering if there'd be resentment
From new faces all around

So, dear mom, I'm sending you today
Thanks from a boy who’s weak
The first words you would hear me say
If I could only speak!