PERSONAL NARRATIVE
Autism Isn’t Anything Like Visiting Holland:
WELCOME TO THE JUNGLE
By Meghan ASHBURN
Emily Perl Kingsley wrote a beautiful poem called Welcome to Holland. In the poem,
Kingsley describes how it feels to raise a child with special needs.
S
he says that planning for a child is like planning
an exciting trip to Italy. But when your child has
a disability, your plane lands in Holland instead.
Holland isn’t as exciting or flashy as Italy. But it’s
charming, slower-paced, and has windmills. And
even though you really wanted that trip to Italy, you
wind up appreciating Holland for all of its beauty
and tranquility.
I used to love that poem. I would post it on my
Facebook page and tag other moms who I thought
would appreciate the gesture. I’ve even been sent
that poem every now and then by well-meaning
Autism Parenting Magazine | Issue 74 |
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