Dear Annie: I love your column and read it faithfully in my newspaper in Connecticut. A few months ago, I lost one of my twin daughters who was profoundly handicapped and disabled. This has been the most painful and difficult challenge of my life. She fought for 45 years, lived at home with me and required 24-hour care.

My daughter fought every day of her life and was truly a warrior and my hero. Her medical complications were so complex that it was a miracle that she had such endurance to fight for such a long time. I was going through a birthday book and found an article that someone had sent to me 45 years ago. Her twin sister is also a warrior and had been her sister’s hero because she was by her “twin’s side” every step of the way for those difficult 45 years. We were blessed that she passed at home in her own bed in our arms.

When I read the poem “Heaven’s Very Special Child,” I felt like it was written about my daughter — it was all true. Of course, the tears flowed, but that was to be expected. This angel was sent to our family, and even though we knew in advance what the future would bring, we never expected it to be this complex and to be blessed with such a fighter.

To be blessed with such a beautiful and exceptional girl who would forever change our entire focus on life was truly a gift. Being a retired special education teacher, I know many families who ask why, and maybe this poem will answer those “why” questions and give them some closure and offer them peace. If you would please publish it again, I would be grateful. Much love, and thank you for making my day with your column! — A Grieving but Grateful Mom

Dear Grieving and Grateful: I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your letter. And here is that beautiful poem:

“Heaven’s Very Special Child” by Edna Massimilla

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.”

Her progress may seem very slow,

Accomplishments she may not show

And she’ll require extra care

From folks she meets way down there.

She may not run or laugh or play

Her thoughts may seem quite far away:

In many ways she isn’t adapt

And she’ll be known as handicapped.

So let’s be careful where she’s sent

We want her life to be content.

Please, Lord, find the parents who

Will do a 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 a stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they’ll know the privilege given

In caring for the Gift from Heaven.

Their precious charge,

so meek and mild

Is Heaven’s Very Special Child.

View prior ‘Dear Annie’ columns

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