“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all
of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
― Leo Buscaglia

In support of Canadian Mental Health Week and Children’s Mental Health Week, I wrote a poem with some folks in mind who mean the world to me. Perhaps this reminds you of someone you know…your own child, family member, friend or neighbour. Or maybe it’s someone else – someone you could know if you took a good look around.

I wish someone could see me
For who I am inside,
Much more than a condition
So many fears I hide.

That I will be forgotten
Lost within the mix,
Of daily tasks and pressures
I’m too complex to fix.

No one has the time for me
No one is to blame,
They go about their happy lives
I cannot do the same.

What no one understands
As they move throughout their day,
Is that helping me to manage mine
Is just a smile away.

It’s not the grandest gesture
It takes no time at all,
To show me that I matter
And you’ll catch me when I fall.

All you need to do
To truly do your part,
Is to be kind and open
And look for my warm heart.

It’s right beneath the surface
Talk to me – you’ll see,
‘Cause in the end, I’m just like you
And you are just like me.

Want to talk?  We’re here:

• Leave us a comment below
• Tweet with us @haltonparents
• Email us at haltonparents@halton.ca
• Call the HaltonParents line for parenting information or to speak directly to a Public Health Nurse (every Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) Simply dial 311 or 905-825-6000.

About this blogger:

Paula D’Orazio RN is a public health nurse with the Early Years Health Program at the Halton Region Health Department.  Wanna know more about her?  Read her blogs!  She’ll tell ya!  (She kinda likes to talk.)