“Heaven’s special child” is a metaphorical or symbolic figure representing individuals seen as pure, innocent, or blessed. This term is often used to describe children who have passed away at a young age or individuals with special needs who are perceived to have a unique connection to the divine or spiritual realm. It’s a way of honoring their unique qualities and their profound impact on those around them.
Our daughter Erica was and remains one of Heaven’s special children. She brought our family together in God’s love while teaching us how demanding and tiresome caring for a disabled child can be.
We are stronger and more passionate individuals now.
Here is the poem you may be looking for, it’s no wonder it’s so popular as no truer prose has ever been written (except maybe for the essay our eldest daughter wrote for her 8th-grade class titled “Heaven’s Special Child).
HEAVEN’S VERY SPECIAL CHILD
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.
-Edna Massimilla
Edna Massimilla wrote the poem “Heaven’s Very Special Child” in 1956, 50 years after the birth of her daughter with Down syndrome. Massimilla, a pastor’s widow from Hatboro, Pennsylvania, wrote the poem to emphasize that every creation has a purpose. She continues to write poems and songs for children with disabilities.
More inspirational poems: https://www.oafccd.com/lanark/poems.html
What is Lissencephaly?
Lissencephaly (pronounced li-suhn-SEH-fuh-lee), which means “smooth brain,” is a spectrum of severe and rare brain malformations (abnormally shaped) that affects developing fetuses. Gyri are the folds or bumps in your brain, and sulci are the indentations or grooves. In lissencephaly, the lack of normal development of brain gyri and sulci makes an affected baby’s brain appear smooth.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6033-lissencephaly
