I love all her poems, but this one encapsulated all-in-one so much of what she has expressed in several of her previous poems.
The challenges of Cerebral Palsy (wheelchair-bound, can only used her right hand, with chronic pain in one leg), the forced dependence on others for things we often don't even notice (like how we're able to go about our lives without custom-made socks)—all this combined with a highly intelligent & independent personality, and her profoundly beautiful relationship with her husband—a man so special, he makes Nechumelle feel all her suffering is worthwhile for such a soulmate.
CUSTOM MADE
Because throughout my life, I endure a disability
My socks and splints are custom made for me
This ensures the fit is completely correct
As my feet can’t handle the slightest defect
It takes a ‘master of his work’ to do the measure
So that as I wear them, I do not feel any pressure
This thought occurred to me in recent days
Hashem custom-made my life in so many ways
He created my life with His guarantee and seal
He senses that my life is quite a big ordeal
So He gave me family and friends to help reach my goal
And since I married, I have my husband – we share a soul
Looking back throughout my life, this observation I truly got to see
The turbulent times gave me my marriage, despite my disability
©Nechumelle Jacobs – 21st October 2020
(Used with permission)