Written by Lisa Browning
“For in every adult there dwells the child that was, and in every child there lies the adult that will be.” –John Connolly
A couple of months ago, I gave a presentation about my recently published book, Free to Fly, a book about how I have used the challenges and adversities I have been through in order to create a life of meaning. In preparation for that presentation, I went through old photographs of myself, and the image included here was one of those photos. I still remember the almost shocked silence in the room, as the image appeared on the screen. Even I was taken aback … it was much more powerful seeing it in such a large format. “This is not a photo of a happy child …. Or a happy mother,” I said, as the audience members nodded in agreement.
Since my presentation, I’ve thought a lot about the little girl I once was, and that image has become burned in my psyche. I have realized how much I pushed down my childhood, away from conscious memory.
Now, I want to be clear. I was not abused as a child. But neither was I nurtured or supported in a way that allowed me to grow up carefree and confident. And as a result of that, I downplayed it all, almost blaming myself for being “too sensitive” or “expecting too much” ….
When I started plans for the Saplings Kids Club, I had no idea that there was an inherent connection to my own childhood and, more importantly, to my own healing. That is, until this past Sunday, when the first session of the Kids Club took place.
The joy I felt when I saw the kids starting to come into the venue is something I won’t forget. The engagement with our guest author Derek Smith, and with each other, as they talked about the love of and connection with animals and then created bird feeders to take home, fed my soul.
I realized, again, that I had forgotten how to be that free. How to be creative and curious. I know that hosting this monthly group of elementary school aged kids will remind me how to be carefree and joyous … an unexpected benefit, for sure.
I can almost see the little girl inside of me dancing with delight!
Following are two pieces of feedback I received after yesterday’s event:
Being a guest author at the Kids Club was such an amazing way to reach out to children and get them interested in reading rather than spending time on their devices playing games and watching videos. There was definitely a strong interaction between myself and the kids discussing my favourite animals, which enabled all the kids to participate in sharing theirs. It also introduced a lot of kids to many different animals that they weren’t aware of before. Each child received their own book at the end signed by me, which made them feel special. This was not just a rewarding experience for them, but it made me happy to add that bit of joy to their lives.
Derek Smith, Author, Miss Daisy’s Wonderful World of Adventure
This was such a fun event. My nieces thoroughly enjoyed themselves and can’t wait to go to the next one. Neither can I! Thank you, Lisa Browning, for making these events happen, and for supporting authors and getting books into kids’ hands.
Loralie Coles-Broderick, Event Attendee
The next session of the Saplings Kids Club is scheduled for Sunday, April 12. Details still to be confirmed. Visit www.onethousandtrees.com/saplings for more information.
