Ro-Ro Rows Her Boat

It was not written to the tune of Row Row Row Your Boat, though you may be able to stretch it and fit it in some fashion, it is a poem of the purest love for a little girl who changed my life. She may even have saved my soul, though it remains to be seen if such a thing is possible. Nevertheless, she opened my eyes to a prejudice I had been carrying in me since my youth and helped me eliminate a fear that had been eating away at the core of what made me the person I believed I was. I always thought of myself as someone without preconceived notions, without hatred of others because they were classified in some way as different from the so-called "norm".  

Then Ro-Ro came into my life and humbled me in a way I did not think possible. Certainly not something I would ever have imagined a four-year old girl with Autism, (who could not speak or understand a word I said,) could do. But there she was, the one the nurses and behavior aides called "the monster" and "an evil child", exposing the angel within her and teaching me a lesson I will never forget. Please also read "Touch" which mentions her as well.  
jj  

PS:
For several years I worked as a Teacher's Aide and a Behavior Aide with children with Autism. As much time as I spent with them I still went home and knew they were not my own. So I will never really know what your life is like but my heart goes out to you. I would like to suggest a few poems I wrote with Autism in mind and especially with one little girl who changed my life. J

"Ro-Ro Rows Her Boat"
https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/poems/28043-ro-ro-rows-her-boat/  

"An Angel's Wings Unfurled"
https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/poems/252837-an-angels-wings-unfurled/  

"Touch"
https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/poems/26926-touch/  

"A Ray of Sun from a Heart of Gold"
https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/poems/28042-a-ray-of-sun-from-a-heart-of-gold/  

I hope these warm your heart!
JJ

I just love how deep it goes, it starts of swaying accros the top. And then goes deep and pulls at the hearstrings.

I see why you love it, and it deserves to be loved.

Blue Skies
Al

Such a beautiful and touching poem that I had not read before now . By reading this you can tell that that experience changed your life in more ways than one, and it was obviously for the better.

Thank you for commenting Jess, you are so very kind to say so. jj

Wow! Thank you for recommending this to me. It really got me intrigued by your story. Now I wish to know more about how this little girl changed your life. The story behind it makes the poem even more touching.
I loved the way you composed it. Nice write JJ

I grew up with a fear that became prejudice, and for some time even hate for people with learning disabilities. I used the "R" word quite routinely and often with immense disrespect intended. It seemed to be the popular thing to do among the kids in school and our neighborhood. There are far too many examples to convey of my own disgraceful behavior.
So I found myself working at a job where I was thrust into a situation every day where I had to not only face my prejudice, but overcome it to assist people who could not survive without my help. Ro-Ro managed to make me see beyond my prejudice and I learned as much about myself as I did about her and all of the other people in a similar situation. I went on the become a Teacher's Aide in my local school systems BOCES program where I worked with children of all ages and abilities. That experience has completely changed many aspects of my life. Four years ago I had a stroke and I am now disabled with several impairments of my own. Perhaps that was all preparation for my own survival. JJ

Omg so beautiful!! Very well written. I'm in love with this. ALL OF IT. haha

Thank you for commenting Red, you are very kind! Glad you loved it so much!!!
jj

Thank you for the PM! I joined DU in 2012 so no, I haven't read this, but so thankful you expose it to me jj. I worked twelve years in Special Education, 5 yrs with children who had pervasive developmental disorders (autism), so this touched me personally. One of my careers I never consider a job, but a constant joy. I think the most rewarding was seeing them accomplish the things we take for granted, like holding a fork. Your Ro-Ro brought back warm and special memories for me and I thank you for sharing this gem.  

It's funny Tara, every time I find out something new about you, it makes me admire you all the more. It also explains why I feel so close to you, even though we have never met. We have so much in common, I wonder if we have met in other lives. When I worked as a Teacher's Aide for BOCES, I worked with many children with Autism and other physical and learning impairments. I have had the same experience of teaching teenagers how to hold a fork and go to the bathroom. I also worked with adults recovering from brain injuries in their homes and in rehab centers, so I have seen a full spectrum of people in need of help with just the most basic things. When I compare my current situation of being disabled from a stroke, it is nothing, yet I still struggle. And with all of my training at the jobs I have had in those fields, I have a gigantic advantage because I am aware of the resources and what to expect. I think everyone should work with disabled people for a few years at least, I think the whole world would be a different place if there was a little less selfishness and the awareness of how much helping others can make a difference in someone's life. It pays so much more than money and the difference it makes in your own life is a reward all its own. Big [[HUGS]] to you Rain!
jj

I love everything about this write. It is so very touching. The depths are potent and beyond felt.

So very beautiful 💓

I remember reading this a few years ago but I cant imagine how I didnt comment on such a lovely poem. Im glad you posted this reading today and brought mt attention back to it. I will have to add it to my reading list so I can come back and listen to you voice these wonderful words again jj! H

She'll take your hand ... just ask dear..
✨Trish

If she remembers me. I wrote this in 2001, so she would be about 22 now. I can dream though...
Thank you for commenting Trish.
JJ

such a beautiful write and such beautiful layers - it made me feel somewhat sad, but it is a terrific write :-)

Thanks for commenting David! Her situation was sad. She was living in a medical facility and will likely spend her life there due to some issues that require daily medical attention from nurses. I often wonder if she ever got the surgery she needed. It's complicated and I can't say too much due to hippa laws. A day does not go by that I do not think of her...
JJ