Natasha
HOUR 11
NATASHA
When I was expecting
my first child,
I worried through the nine months.
I imagined every bad scenario
After her birth, I counted her fingers and toes,
and listened to her breathing during the night.
Three months later, I was pregnant again.
I didn’t have time or cause to worry.
My first child was perfect.
Natasha was born with
Downs Syndrome.
My world collapsed.
My life will never be the same.
I’d never be happy.
What had I done wrong,
to deserve this?
The first few months,
I am ashamed to say,
I was numb with self-pity
Natasha was a sunny, happy baby,
only crying when she had to.
Her eyes lit up when she recognized me,
her mouth opened in toothless smiles.
I couldn’t resist, I fell in love.
Natasha has grown into a lovely
young woman,
independent, compassionate
and bright.
People are drawn to her
and automatically smile.
Her strength is visual memory.
She reminds me which side
the gas tanks are in the cars.
She picks my purse when
I absentmindedly leave it.
She anticipates our needs.
When we cough, she runs for water.
The beds are made
every morning,
and our clothes folded.
She’s a gift, a special blessing.
We thank God every day,
that He chose us
to be her parents.
