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While attending the National Down Syndrome Congress Conference last weekend in Orlando, we heard an eloquent presentation by Dr. Elizabeth Harry, professor of special education at the University of Miami.
Melanie, Bird with a Broken Wing is the beautiful and heartbreaking story of Dr. Harry's own experiences with her daughter Melanie, who was born with cerebral palsy. For all parents of children with disabilities, this story captures the essence of what love is really all about.
When love beckons to you, follow him,
Though his ways are hard and steep.
And when his wings enfold you, yield to him,
Though the sword hidden among his pinions may wound you.
And when he speaks to you, believe in him,
Though his voice may shatter your dreams
as the north wind lays waste the garden.
But if in your fear you would seek only love's peace and love's pleasure,
Then it is better for you that you cover your nakedness and pass out of love's threshing-floor,
Into the seasonless world where you shall laugh, but not all of your laughter, and weep, but not all of your tears.
--Kahlil Gibran
