Carolyn Devonshire Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

Rachel's

Special

Challenges

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 May 18, 2021 at 12:15 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 March 26, 2021 at 10:52 AM I came back to congratulate you on your high placement on the "Best New Poems" list. It was so well-deserved! Carolyn Devonshire March 26, 2021 at 12:34 PM Thank you, Milton. I've never even looked at that list before now.

Phyllis Babcock March 17, 2021 at 6:05 PM Carolyn a beautiful write that touches the heart. Congratulations on your win. love phyl

Constance La France March 10, 2021 at 9:09 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 March 11, 2021 at 9:38 AM Thank you, Constance. I think you would love Rachel.

Paula Goldsmith March 10, 2021 at 7:44 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 March 11, 2021 at 9:37 AM There are many parents facing such challenges, Paula. It truly is heartbreaking. Thanks for reading.

Anne-Lise Andresen March 10, 2021 at 1:06 AM - Congratulations on your win, Carolyn :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jennifer Fenn March 8, 2021 at 5:37 PM What a compassionate portrait of a mother and her disabled daughter! Carolyn Devonshire March 9, 2021 at 9:42 AM Thanks, Jennifer. Rachel is my niece.

Sara Kendrick March 8, 2021 at 1:47 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 March 9, 2021 at 9:45 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 March 7, 2021 at 11:28 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 March 8, 2021 at 11:17 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 March 6, 2021 at 9:15 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 March 7, 2021 at 7:45 AM There are many families facing similar challenges, Harry. Thanks for your kind comments!

Jack Horne March 5, 2021 at 12:34 PM heartfelt write here, hon xx

Tom Cunningham March 4, 2021 at 12:03 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 March 5, 2021 at 11:44 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 March 4, 2021 at 11:13 AM Great write. The child's disability can bring sorrow of every kind. Best for a win. Carolyn Devonshire March 5, 2021 at 11:44 AM Thanks for reading, Victor.

Rico Leffanta March 4, 2021 at 10:37 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 March 5, 2021 at 11:44 AM Animals do seem to gravitate to Rachel. I wonder if they sense she has different abilities than most.

L Milton Hankins March 4, 2021 at 9:24 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 March 4, 2021 at 10:28 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.

Vijay Pandit March 4, 2021 at 9:24 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 March 4, 2021 at 10:19 AM Thank you, Vijay. This is the first time I've been able to write about my niece Rachel. Hugs, Carolyn

Judy Ball March 4, 2021 at 8:50 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 March 4, 2021 at 10:25 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 March 4, 2021 at 8:41 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 March 4, 2021 at 10:17 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 March 4, 2021 at 8:39 AM I know of a family having the experience you've mentioned in your poem...It's truly a challenge...Well done. Carolyn Devonshire March 4, 2021 at 10:20 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. March 4, 2021 at 8:35 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 March 4, 2021 at 10:22 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