I like this poem because its theme applies to everyone. Billy is the focus, but his path is the one we all take.
Who Knew?
Our youngest sailed off to college this year.
Billy, Brian and I remain right here.
Looking back, there were times when it was tough.
In so many places the road was rough.
Raising Billy,
and Michael,
Billy, Brian and I remain right here.
Looking back, there were times when it was tough.
In so many places the road was rough.
Raising Billy,
and Michael,
and
Ricky,
the
journey was epic (and tricky).
But
how wonderful, now that they are grown,
to
look back at what we wish we had known!
So.
The
theme of this year's poem is: Who knew?
As
in things good things happen.
They
really do.
Remember
when Billy would always escape?
Crossing
main highways, getting into scrapes?
Who
knew that one day he'd learn on his own
to
walk,
not
to roam?
And
then return home?
Now
neighbors who spy him out and about,
don’t
need to panic, or give us a shout.
Billy's
favorite movie is Lion King.
When
we saw the show; guess who we didn't bring?
We
felt so guilty, but how could we trust,
his
rocking would not make the evening a bust?
Back
and forth, forth and back.
He's
a purist.
But
never the best seat mate for a tourist!
Who
knew that, years later, Autism Speaks
would
stage its own show?
He
bubbled for weeks!
Then
seeing the show, how happy he was,
there
in the mix, being part of the buzz!
Who
knew that Billy, an old man on steps,
was
having a problem perceiving depths?
And
who knew that this bad depth perception,
was
even capable of correction?
With
glasses.(DUH!)
Now
stairs are no bother.
No
more
descending
like
a grandfather.
Sometimes
the key is not aiming too high.
When
Billy was ten, I thought I’d try
to
take him to church; one hour of peace
was
all that I sought, a bit of release.
Who
knew what we'd actually find was hope,
good
people, and a place that helped me cope?
Who
knew the church would renovate Camp Starfish?
(I’d
never imagined, in my wildest wish).
Who
knew that Billy’d be my movie pal?
And
even enjoy films meant for a gal?
Who
knew he’d walk the treadmill at the gym,
while
laughing at cartoons in front of him?
Who
knew that our boy, who doesn't talk much,
would
one day sing songs, and add his own touch?
(Here
it’s fitting that all should be warned though,
at
dances he belts out “Heeeyyy . . . Sweet Potato!!”. )
Who
knew that Billy’s, and our, special journey,
would
spur me to be a special needs attorney?
As
college approached, we had a some fear:
How
would Billy fare, with his brothers not here?
How
would he adjust, not having all three
at
home, with Brian, our full family?
Who
knew that Billy would thrive on quiet?
(It
never occurred to me he should try it!)
And
who knew our bond with the younger boys,
even
at a distance, would stay full of joy?
So
often the day starts out cold and gray,
thick
clouds like dark castles, blocking each ray.
Wait
awhile;
that
gray can give way to blue.
Your
heart lifts. You smile to yourself: Who knew?
