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Rachel's Special Challenges

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Rachel's

Special

Challenges

Rachel’s birth brought early challenges Surgery closed a hole in her heart Learning disabilities discovered later A “special” child, she pursued a regular education But she was not regular She learned to read a bit; could not do math At age 30, Rachel asked why she couldn’t have children She could, of course, but it was discouraged Her mother’s only child would not give her grandchildren So Rachel raises cats, several of them, for companionship Felines brought up in a loving home To Rachel, they are her daughters Now her mother is getting older She dreads the thought of Rachel placed in a group home Rachel is still a child on Christmas and birthdays But there is no one, no young living relatives, to step up Her mother cries every night In her 70s, she still works long hours It is not knowing what will happen to Rachel That prevents her mother from finding happiness She prays God will help her daughter when she’s gone It’s hard to say which of their lives is more challenging Still, they press forward and grab every joy life offers It is the only way Imagine the unique problems children with disabilities face They need our support and encouragement Rachel gets these, but how many others do not? *March 4, 2021

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Andrea Dietrich

Date: 5/18/2021 12:15:00 PM

Carolyn, I think I remember you talking about such a woman who could not feel at ease because of this kind of worry. I finally am seeing this very nice poem which I see made the Best new poems list back in March. Belated Congrats

L Milton Hankins

Date: 3/26/2021 10:52:00 AM

I came back to congratulate you on your high placement on the "Best New Poems" list. It was so well-deserved!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/26/2021 12:34:00 PM

Thank you, Milton. I've never even looked at that list before now.

Sandra L. Weiss

Date: 3/20/2021 12:18:00 PM

A heartfelt write, with a much needed message. Congratulations on your win. As a pediatric nurse, I saw so many children that suffered from multiple disabilities. Sadly, there are not enough facilities to aid these children in their development. And fewer places offering long term assistance. A mother's fear. Awareness is needed. They deserve a chance to discover their capabilities. Patience and understanding works wonders.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/21/2021 1:53:00 PM

Rachel does receive a lot of love and support from her mother. In spite of her disabilities, she seems happy. She has ballet lessons and is on a bowling league. Her mother deserves a lot of credit.

Phyllis Babcock

Date: 3/17/2021 6:05:00 PM

Carolyn a beautiful write that touches the heart. Congratulations on your win. love phyl

Constance La France

Date: 3/10/2021 9:09:00 PM

Carolyn, congratulations on your win in my Life's Struggle contest with this excellent Free Verse poem, it truly touched my heart and I love the quote too, well done _Constance

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/11/2021 9:38:00 AM

Thank you, Constance. I think you would love Rachel.

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 3/10/2021 7:44:00 AM

Congratulations on your win. What a great story/write. I know three mothers that are go through this. It is heart breaking. Have a blessed day.................

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/11/2021 9:37:00 AM

There are many parents facing such challenges, Paula. It truly is heartbreaking. Thanks for reading.

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/10/2021 1:06:00 AM

- Congratulations on your win, Carolyn :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jennifer Fenn

Date: 3/8/2021 5:37:00 PM

What a compassionate portrait of a mother and her disabled daughter!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/9/2021 9:42:00 AM

Thanks, Jennifer. Rachel is my niece.

Sara Kendrick

Date: 3/8/2021 1:47:00 PM

Sometimes a child like that gets really good attention in a group home or in a nursing home. It is just according to the staff there of course. I hope all works out for her. Good topic all needs to be addressed. Thanks for dropping by. Sara

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/9/2021 9:45:00 AM

Sara, Rachel can't even wash her own hair. I wish she were more independent, but her mother ensures all her needs are met. I do hope someone takes an interest in her when she goes to a group home. Thanks for reading!

Anne-Lise Andresen

Date: 3/7/2021 11:28:00 AM

- I have known and know many like her in my life, they have many challenges ... but, maybe they do not think as much about it as we who are "healthy" - They "seize the day" differently than others ... and takes what comes :) - They're "happy in their world" ... I'm sure she's doing well ... in the future - Her mother has done the best she can ... and certainly more :) - A lovely and sensitive poem, Carolyn :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/8/2021 11:17:00 AM

I can tell you understand Rachel's challenges, Sunshine. Indeed, her mother has done the best she can. And Rachel does seem quite happy, so her efforts are paying off.

Harry Horsman

Date: 3/6/2021 9:15:00 PM

You sure know how to reach into one's heart Carolyn, i know of such a person also,, Your poem is amazing in every aspect, its poetry worth and the message it gives out. I just know Constance will love this..to my fav.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/7/2021 7:45:00 AM

There are many families facing similar challenges, Harry. Thanks for your kind comments!

Jack Horne

Date: 3/5/2021 12:34:00 PM

heartfelt write here, hon xx

Tom Cunningham

Date: 3/4/2021 12:03:00 PM

Such a heartfelt write Carolyn, I can understand her mothers concerns, I hope wherever she goes she can take her cats as they mean so much to her. Its a shame that she cant stay with her own family but as we get older we more often than not have challenges of our own. Tom

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/5/2021 11:44:00 AM

Rachel's mother has no family except me, her sister-in-law. I agree regarding the cats. They mean so much to her. Thanks for reading, Tom.

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 3/4/2021 11:13:00 AM

Great write. The child's disability can bring sorrow of every kind. Best for a win.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/5/2021 11:44:00 AM

Thanks for reading, Victor.

Rico Leffanta

Date: 3/4/2021 10:37:00 AM

My late wife's cousin, Wendy Williams, was one such child who outlived her parents and ended up in an home. She scared the crap out of me, but was well loved by her mother, birds, and animals. Difficult subject, but well done, Carolyn! Aloha! Rico

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/5/2021 11:44:00 AM

Animals do seem to gravitate to Rachel. I wonder if they sense she has different abilities than most.

Vijay Pandit

Date: 3/4/2021 9:24:00 AM

Kudos my friend for this stunning write that tugs the heart. Can't imagine what both the parents and the child go through in such difficult life circumstances. Yes, true, we can't from distance feel that pain. And it never abates. I am saving this special poem in my FAVES.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:19:00 AM

Thank you, Vijay. This is the first time I've been able to write about my niece Rachel. Hugs, Carolyn

L Milton Hankins

Date: 3/4/2021 9:24:00 AM

Such a poignant piece illustrating a struggle going on in so many homes around the world. I wish you every success for a high placement in the contest. Excellent!

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:28:00 AM

It is like this for many families, Milton. A friend who was caring for a profoundly disabled adult son died a couple years ago. It was Marianne's worst fear that Will would end up in a home, but that was the only option. So sad.

Judy Ball

Date: 3/4/2021 8:50:00 AM

This is a very touching and enlightening piece Carolyn. So many of us never think about the special people there are out there who need the companionship and love of a friend. Rachel will worry about her cats who are her friends if she can't take them with her. They should find a place that accepts the pets of these people. The petsw are afterall therapy for them. Good job here. God Bless, JB

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:25:00 AM

I do hope when it's time for Rachel to go to a group home that they allow her to keep her pets. I can't imagine her being without them. Thanks for your kind comments.

Ilene Bauer

Date: 3/4/2021 8:41:00 AM

carolyn - my own daughter is a "rachel" and she lives in a group home. we speak to her every day and visit her very often and she comes home to visit. it's not perfect but i know she will always be cared for when my husband and i are no longer around. your poem describes the situation with great compassion...

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:17:00 AM

Oh, I am glad you mentioned your daughter, Ilene. We worry about Rachel (my niece via marriage) as there are many things she can't do for herself. It's good you are at peace with the care she receives in the group home. Rachel's mother is a little older than I am and we both worry about her future.

Arturo Michael

Date: 3/4/2021 8:39:00 AM

I know of a family having the experience you've mentioned in your poem...It's truly a challenge...Well done.

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:20:00 AM

Rachel's whole life has been a challenge, but special children often share the type of innocence she exhibits. Thank you for letting me know others are facing such challenges.

Alexis Y.

Date: 3/4/2021 8:35:00 AM

WoW! Carolyn, What a well-written and heart-tugging story. I can’t begin to imagine how her mother feels. You nailed the theme in spades. This poem is a winner contest or no contest. I applaud you for shedding light on disabilities.Best wishes in the in the contest. Have a wonderful day- Alexis

Carolyn Devonshire
Date: 3/4/2021 10:22:00 AM

I'm overwhelmed by your compassion and the compassion of others who have left encouraging remarks. Thank you for understanding her challenges. Hugs, carolyn