Poetry Time - Sweet Release

M’s poem reflects upon her journey as a parent, giving us a glimpse into some of the challenges she has faced. She recognises how she has grown through them, from feeling she was fighting a battle, to learning to let go of fear, finding the beauty in their story and embracing her child’s uniqueness.

We can see parallels between the strategy described in last month’s article, Unmasking The Reality, and how M describes coming to terms with her child’s reality, adopting the attitude of worrying less about external judgment of others and focusing instead on celebrating their differences.

Sweet Release

In the stillness of the night, I sit and ponder,

The path we've walked, the challenges we've wandered. 

As a mother to a child with a special view, 

Autism and learning disorders, trials not few. 

For years, I fought against the tide, 

Every day a battle, nowhere to hide. 

The exhaustion, the worry, the endless care, 

Every moment fraught with an unspoken prayer. 

Sleepless nights and endless vigilance, 

The weight of the world, a relentless dance. 

Every ring of the phone, a heart-stopping fear, 

What news awaited, what troubles near? 

In the park, eyes darting, voices raised, 

Judgment and stares, my heart ablaze. 

But my child, my love, my reason to fight, 

Their journey, their struggle, their unique light. 

They speak to themselves, their own companion true, 

In their world, they find solace, they find what's due. 

Their routine, their order, their steadfast guide, 

In order, they thrive, they beautifully abide. 

And now, a glimmer, a flicker of hope, 

As my child evolves, they learn to soar, 

Embracing uniqueness, they ask for more. 

A journey of growth, filled with scope. 

A bit of my life, slowly returns, 

As the light in their eyes brightly burns. 

No longer chained to worry's hold, 

No longer burdened by fear's stronghold. 

For my child, though different, is beautifully so, 

Their journey, their story, beginning to glow. 

So let them speak, let them be,

In their uniqueness, they find their key. 

And as they flourish, I find my peace, 

In the beauty of their journey, sweet release.

If you are a parent or carer of a child with a neurodiversity (diagnosed or not), looking to find your own peace, we invite you to join us. Coffee Connect, our in-person coffee morning for parents with neurodiverse children, runs on the first Friday of every month, giving you the chance to connect with others over an informal chat.

_{Credit: Image by wirestock on Freepik}