A person can only fall
through so many cracks
And she has fallen through
many in her short life

Her sassy, sweet disposition
somehow remains
I’m not sure mine
would have survived

A history of being abused,
neglected, treated as less than
Years of reports leading nowhere
until circumstances could
no longer be avoided

Layers and layers of trauma
paired with intellectual disabilities

Finally, in a loving home with
People who are willing to love her
through the challenges

Always a battle for services-
physical and mental health,
unable to advocate for herself-
Reliance with no awareness

But that’s ok- she is who she is
A person- deserving
of love, respect, life
Her story is one of many

Do you know her?
Do you know him?
Will you keep your heart open
In case they pass your way?

One day, I hope to share more of her story. A frustrating phone call today brought a flood of emotions. She is okay. The system is not.