Mum Alison Morley writes a personal blog about discovering joy in unexpected places.
Downright Joy is about life with her daughter Hazel, who has Down’s syndrome, dyspraxia and autism.
Alison recently wrote about reaching out for support as a parent carer.
In her poem The Nurturer, she conveys how difficult that decision can be, but why for her family, it was worth it.
Hazel on the beach
Poem: The Nurturer
We asked for help. a year ago
It was hard to do.
Pride got in the way, many times; weariness stood over us, blocking our view
Of what help could mean, not just to us
But more importantly, to you.
Years of thinking we should be able to cope
Manage by ourselves, not admit any hint of defeat.
It felt wrong, somehow, to ask just for us
But we should not have been afraid to ask
For you.
Help emerges, stepping very gently in on our daily scenes.
Those tasked with listening, listened.
Compassion now walks faithfully, routinely, through our front door.
She rolls up her NHS sleeves, and as I back slowly away, out of sight, I glimpse her smiling, So very tenderly, at you.
We never knew, incredibly, we never knew!
That help intended for us meant new independence,
A new face, a new friend, a giver,
Someone new, as well as and other than us to smile with, nurture and care
If you like the poem The Nurturer you can read more on Alison’s blog here at Downright Joy
If you would like advice, support or resources, get in touch with our Information services
or call our helpline on 0333 1212 300 (10AM – 4PM)
or email us at helpline@downs-syndrome.org.uk
You can find information and resources about Down’s syndrome with complex needs here.