The fascinating quirks of Hashgocha Protis.
The very moving poem about a Down's Syndrome infant that was
almost abandoned by its parents, "Journey of a Soul,"
printed in YATED's Parshas Bo issue, elicited a very strong
reaction from one of our readers who promptly dashed off a
point-by-point letter of objection [see Parshas Yisro). Mira
Neufield was particularly upset because she does social work
in Sulam, a pre-school for special children, and has seen
the more difficult cases, about which she consults with the
school's expert.
She showed her the poem and maintained that perhaps, in some
cases, the children SHOULD have been given up for adoption.
The expert parried with her and finally succeeded in winning
her over to author Dov Patkin's premise that indeed, special
children are G-d-given special opportunities.
"You see, I just happen to be Patkin's oldest daughter. It
was my little Down's sister who made me choose this
profession altogether!"
Since this issue is very relevant, we intend to print
Patkin's extensive reply over the coming weeks. He strongly
urges people to call him -- just to talk and get
chizuk.
His phone: 02-582-9944.
He writes:
You speak of the question of coping with the special
neshoma that Hashem has placed into the care of the
parents.
Let us turn to the Sages to hear what they have to say on
the matter.
In the gemora (Avoda Zora 3), and in the Midrash
(Shmos Rabba and Breishis Rabba) the following
declaration is made:
HASHEM DOES NOT TEST A PERSON WITH MORE THAN HE CAN
HANDLE.
HASHEM DOES NOT ASK OF A PERSON MORE THAN HE HAS STRENGTH TO
COPE WITH.
Obviously, a person should be very careful before suggesting
that one will not be able to cope. To suggest that Hashem is
`mistaken' would be unwise.
Hashem knows to whom He is sending the special child. He
chooses the family that can, with His help, raise the child
successfully and yet still fulfill all of its
responsibilities.
Perhaps the parents will need to draw on new resources of
energy and wisdom. Hashem will help.
The community is EXPECTED to help. Bikur Cholim, social
services, volunteer workers, neighbors, family and friends.
All of these, according to the psak halocha of R'
Shlomo Zalman Auerbach ztzvk'l, MUST help the parents
who need that encouragement and help to raise the child that
Hashem has BLESSED them with.
More to follow in upcoming issues.
