In Honor of Giftedness

Grammy and Papa (Nate's parents) recently attended a mass in honor of people with disabilities in Syracuse. There was a reading presented at the mass that touched them, so they had the entire poem scripted and framed for me, Nate and Will for Christmas. When I opened the gift, I couldn't speak past the first two lines, as I was already choked up. Nate tried too, but he couldn't get beyond the first paragraph before losing it. The words are so touching if you've ever had someone in your life who has or cares for someone with a disability.

If I knew who wrote these beautiful words, I would give them their incredibly deserved credit. I've read through this poem a dozen times and still cannot keep a dry eye.

In Honor of the Giftedness of Persons with Disabilities

Blessed are you who take time to listen to difficult speech, for you help us to know that if we persevere, we can be understood.

Blessed are you who walk with us in public spaces and ignore the stare of strangers, for in your friendship we feel good about ourselves.

Blessed are you who never bid us "hurry up" and, more blessed, you who do not snatch our tasks from our hands to do them for us, for often we need time rather than help.

Blessed are you who stand beside us as we enter new and untried ventures, for our unsureness will be outweighed by the time we surprise ourselves and you.

Blessed are you, who ask for our help and realize our giftedness, for our greatest need is to be needed.

Blessed are you, who help us with the graciousness of Christ, for we often need the help we cannot ask for.

Blessed are you when, by all accounts, you assure us that what makes us individuals is not our particular disability, but our beautiful God-given personhood that no handicapping condition can confine.

Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for your understanding and love have opened doors for us to enjoy life to its fullest and you have helped us believe in ourselves as valued and gifted people.