A POEM FOR NALAH


A butterfly lights beside us like a sunbeam.

For a brief moment it's glory and beauty belong to our world.

But then it flies on again, and though we wish it could have stayed, we feel so lucky just to have seen it.

Friday, February 3, 2012



Motor skills. Another challenge, another opportunity to learn something new. Nalah was very fond of her dollies. Actually it took her a few hours to get used to new toys. She noted they were unfamiliar and would have a transition time where she decided whether she liked them or not. The only toy she rejected was a beautiful peacock puppet which was my personal favourite. Nalah never warmed to the peacock. However, this handmade rag dollies from the OSFA (Old Strathcona Farmer's Market) in Edmonton were a definate favourite. Nalah had two rag dollies, and Karis had two larger ones. In this photo Nalah has grabbed the dolly and placed it in her mouth for a kiss. We used the dollies for play therapy often, as Nalah was motivated to hold them, grab them, place them close to her. I was so proud of Nalah in this moment. It is a big deal for a trisomy child to take an object and place it in their mouth. Nalah was always learning. Yes, she was 'delayed', but she learned in her own time. That is all we ever expected of her, and we rejoiced together whenever Nalah became capable of something new. I also remember the look of determination on her face when she was attempting such feats. She was a stubborn little girl, just like her Momma. I am glad we had time to get to know her, her personality, all the ways she was like her family, and the ways she was unique. A precious, precious child. I miss you Nalah.

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