Wonder (Natalie Merchant)

   In 1942, my grandmother brought home twins:  my mother, and her fraternal twin brother, who had Down Syndrome and who lived at home, first with my grandparents and then with my family, until his death at age 44.  I have often thought that perhaps no parent can imagine a cup more difficult to drink than to welcome a special needs child home, knowing the challenges that child will face throughout his or her life, often even beyond the lifespan of the parents.  Musician Natalie Merchant takes on this topic in her song Wonder, where the voice of the child herself reassures her parents that God is at work, particularly when there is no other explanation to articulate:

Doctors have come from distant cities just to see me,   

Stand over my bed disbelieving what they're seeing.  

They say I must be one of the wonders of God's own creation  

And they smile as they see they can offer no explanation.  

Newspapers ask intimate questions, want confessions,  

Reach into my head to steal the glory of my story.  

They say I must be one of the wonders of God's own creation  

And they smile as they see they can offer no explanation.  

   

Oh, I believe fate smiled and destiny  

Laughed as she came to my cradle:  

Know this child will be able,  

Laughed as my body she lifted,  

Know this child will be gifted  

With love, with patience, and with faith,  

She'll make her way,  

She'll make her way.  

People see me, I'm a challenge to your balance.  

I'm over your head now, I confound you and astound you, too.  

Know I must be one of the wonders of God's own creation  

And you smile as you see you can offer no explanation.  

  

Oh, I believe fate smiled and destiny  

Laughed as she came to my cradle:  

Know this child will be able,  

Laughed as she came to my mother,  

Know this child will not suffer,  

Laughed as my body she lifted,  

Know this child will be gifted  

With love, with patience, and with faith  

She'll make her way, 
She'll make her way.  

To hear Natalie Merchant sing Wonder, click on the video below:

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