Cole’s Song

I wrote this a few years ago to honor my dear, sweet little cousin Cole, my cousin Michael's grandson. His mom, Hanna, is an amazing woman, and has advocated for him every step of the way, including speaking before congress in support of a National Database for Undiagnosed Diseases.  In recent days Cole's previously undiagnosed disease has finally been given a name: Vanishing White Matter Disease. Yes, it is as serious as it sounds.  I thought I would share this poem again. It is a prayer of sorts… and if you are prone to praying, please whisper one for this little guy, and for the family that carries him in their hearts…

Cole's Song

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

He was born a cold March day

A healthy, normal boy

A twinkle in his eye

His Papa’s pride and joy

Who could’ve know then

What would be his fate?

A multitude of surgeries

What trials would await…

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

‘…and a little child shall lead’

So the story goes

Cole, you’ve touched so many hearts

Perhaps God only knows

Or perhaps it’s not that hard

The reason seems quite clear

To teach us all “Have faith”

Perhaps that’s why you’re here

God bless this child

His mommy and daddy too

Give them peace and strength

The kind that comes from You

Let them know You care

You’re always by their side

Let them feel Your love

And in their hearts abide

God bless this child

©  Copyright Ginny Brannan January 6, 2011
Photos of Cole used with permission, Hanna Welch

This is written as a tribute to my little cousin Cole. He suffers from a disease which includes seizure disorder, and diminished hearing and eyesight. He has undergone multiple surgeries in his brief life, but remains one of the happiest little guys I know.

To learn more about Cole go to http://www.colescause.com/