Downright Joy

Discovering joy in unexpected places – a journey into Down's syndrome, Dyspraxia & Autism


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The Nurturer

Image by Krzysztof Mandrysz from Pixabay

We asked for help, a year ago.
It was hard to do.
Pride got in the way, many times; weariness stood over us, blocking our view
Of what help could mean, not just to us
But more importantly, to you.

Years of thinking we should be able to cope
Manage by ourselves, not admit any hint of defeat.
It felt wrong, somehow, to ask just for us
But we should not have been afraid to ask
For you.

Help emerges, stepping very gently in on our daily scenes.
Those tasked with listening, listened.
Compassion now walks faithfully, routinely, through our front door.
She rolls up her NHS sleeves, and as I back slowly away, out of sight, I glimpse her smiling, so very tenderly, at you.

We never knew, incredibly, we never knew!
That help intended for us meant new independence,
A new face, a new friend, a giver,
Someone new, as well as and other than us to smile with, nurture and care

For you.

“You can buy two sparrows for only a copper coin, yet not even one sparrow falls from its nest without the knowledge of your Father. Aren’t you worth much more to God than many sparrows?” (Matthew 10 v 29 The Passion Translation)


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Monday’s Child

Photo by Daniel Watson on Unsplash

Monday’s child went to school,

As she does, as a rule.

She was quieter than of late

The teacher said.

I’ll keep an eye, said I

Tuesday’s child stayed at home, unwell.

As she often is: not well.

We passed the time

Singing songs in rhyme.

Tube feeding, tea drinking, clock watching our day away.

Wednesday’s child remained off school.

It’s never just one day, as a rule.

We built a den,

And dreamed of when

She would be well, not ill again.

Thursday’s child went back to school

Was this the right call or was I a fool?

It mattered not,

The door was shut.

Turned away, for no teacher was well enough to teach her that day.

Friday’s child is in the lap of the gods!

Her parents and teachers are in no way at odds.

But days lost mount; by a quarter, I counted up.

As Educators told by those in power to pipe down, get on, shut up.

In schools, in SEND, and in our home, a week is a mountain to climb and a very long time

Saturday’s child and Sunday’s child

Remain as before, weekend care needs refuse to yield.

But hope has space to grow; assisting with next week’s worries to beat.

Like will Thursday’s child be on repeat?

I’ll keep an eye, say I.