Caregivers of Children With Special Needs

There is a group of caregivers that we have not as yet  talked about in this column - they are the parents, siblings and other family members who care for a child with long-term care needs.  You may wonder what caregivers of children have in common with caregivers of adults and elderly persons.  The differences may seem great, but many of the needs and feelings are the same - the need for information about the health condition, community resources, and emotional support and the feelings of love, guilt, or frustration.   This delightful poem captures some of these challenges. 

Poem For A 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.

His progress may seem very slow
Accomplishments he may not show
And she’ll require extra care
From the folks she meets way down there.

She may not run or laugh or play.
Her thoughts may seem quite far away.
In many ways he won’t adapt
And he’ll be known as handicapped.

So let’s be careful where she’s sent.
We want his 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 stronger faith and richer love.

And soon they’ll know the privilege given
In caring for this gift from heaven.
Their precious charge so meek and mild
Is heaven’s very special child.”

Author Unknown

Caregiver Meetings: