Years ago I volunteered with a Children’s advocacy program in Wilmington, NC. They had a wonderful after school program for children of underserved neighborhoods. Often their parents worked multiple jobs trying to survive and this was a safe place for the kids to go after school. They also provided assistance and resources for the families. We went in to help refresh the tired and worn space and give it new life. New paint, new furniture, toys, gardens, etc.
I was quite moved by the work they were doing and lost in the powerful stories they shared with me. One that had stuck in my mind all of these years I wanted to share with you.
Keep in mind that this Wilmington, a city that sits right on the ocean. One day the counselors took a group of children to the beach. These children had never been to or even seen the ocean before. Though they lived in this city their entire lives they were basically land locked in their own neighborhoods due to a glaring lack of resources and transportation. It clearly goes much deeper than not being able to see an ocean, but this is just one little story.
The children were overjoyed and mesmerized. They could not believe what their eyes were seeing. They had so many questions:
Does it go away at night?
Does it fall off the other side and spill out?
What keeps it from spilling all over the city?
How did all the sand get there?
The simplest of stories, but the most powerful as well. It quickly put things in perspective for me. It lives in my head and my heart as a constant reminder to be grateful … even for what may seem the simplest of things. As we spent the weekend taking in that sights and sounds of the vast and majestic ocean, I couldn’t help but think about the kids.
Jennifer Grammer Designs 