A Different Child

And if sometimes
Between the smiles
There's a trace of tears,
One day
You'll understand.

You'll understand
There was once another child
A different child
Who was in their hopes and dreams.

That child will never outgrow the baby clothes
That child will never keep them up at night
In fact, that child will never be any trouble at all.

Except sometimes, in a silent moment,
When mother and father miss so much
That different child.

May hope and love wrap you warmly
And may you learn the lesson forever
How infinitely precious
How infinitely fragile
Is this life on earth.

One day, as a young man or woman
You may see another mother's tears
Another father's silent grief
Then you, and you alone
Will understand
And offer the greatest comfort.

When all hope seems lost,
You will tell them
With great compassion,
"I know how you feel.
I'm only here
Because my mother tried again."

------for Madoka Marietta Rosalie, from your mother,
Pandora Diane Waldron*--------March 4, 1999.

Remembering, with love, and not with sadness,
our Special Angel, Rhiannon Roxane,
who left this world 2 years ago today.

This poem was written to tell Madoka about the sister, Rhiannon, she will never meet, and to tell her how much she is loved and wanted. It is dedicated to Madoka Marietta Rosalie Waldron, and to all children whose parents will always miss...A Different Child.

*Since the poem was written, I have returned to using my maiden name, and now write as Pandora Diane MacMillan.