Autumn Dance

She stood a short distance from her guardian at the park this afternoon, her
distinctive features revealing that although her body had blossomed into young
adulthood, her mind would always remain a child's. My children ran and jumped and
sifted sand through perfectly coordinated fingers. Caught up in fighting over a
shovel, they didn't notice when the wind changed. But she did. A wild autumn wind
spinning leaves into amber flurries.



I called to my boisterous son and jostled my daughter. Time to go. Mom still
has lots to do today. My rosy-cheeked boy stood tall, watching with wide-eyed
fascination the gyrating dance of the girl with Down syndrome as she scooped up
leaves and showered herself with a twirling rain of autumn jubilation.



With each twist and jump, she sang deeply earthy grunts--a canticle of praise
meant only for the One whose breath causes the leaves to tremble from the trees.



Hurry up. Let's go. Seat belts on? I start the car. In the rear view
mirror I study her one more time through misty eyes. And then the tears come. Not
tears of pity for her. The tears are for me. For I am far too sophisticated to
publicly shout praises to my Creator.



I am whole, intelligent, and normal, so I weep because I will never know the
severe mercy that frees such a child and bids her to come dance in the autumn
leaves.


This was taken from a book called "More stories from the Heart"
It's called "Autumn Dance" by Robin Jones Gunn

ohhh Robyn! Thats was really beautiful..

We are blessed that we were chosen by these beautiful children Thanks for sharing

Wonderfully written. Except the bit where the author says they are whole.... seems to me there is something missing

C'mon girls... let's go dance in the leaves!! (I've got plenty in my yard haha)

Cas