Currently I am involved with a traveling children's show called Rabbit Tales! Rabbit Tales is the story of Brer Rabbit, a little bunny who likes to play tricks on his friends. Though he thinks he is having fun, his friends are hurt by his pranks and in the end, Brer Rabbit learns to see things from their point of view, apologizes and makes amends.
Throughout this experience thus far, I have found so much joy in performing for children! Their sweet laughs and genuine fascination and smiles makes all of our work worth while. However, there was a recent experience that brought me to tears and I just have to share it!
This past Tuesday we were greeted backstage after the show by a little pre schooler, who's shoulders did not even meet my knees, holding the hand of her grandmother. Without a single word she thrusted herself against each cast members legs wrapping them into a hug. The grandma smiled politely and told us that her granddaughter wanted to hug us all and then sing us a song! As I knelt down so my eyes could be level with hers, she took my hand and began to sing.
It was a quiet song about how we should all love each other, how we shouldn't be mean and that everyone should be friends. As I listened to this little one sing about how she wants everyone to just love one another, I couldn't help but shed a tear. We all applauded when she finished and I gave her one last hug before her grandma thanked us and walked away.
This encounter left me thinking about how beautiful and pure her heart is and I wondered "When does that leave us? Will it soon leave her?" The reality is that she still lives in a world that has no hate. A world without rude comments, vindictive behavior, malicious attacks, gender bias, racial prejudice, or war. She sees all that is good and kind and the unfortunate thing is that one day that pure heart will possibly become tarnished by the evils of this world.
As saddening and true that is, this encounter did teach me something or rather reminded me of something. We were all once that little girl who saw the world with big unadulterated eyes. We all once had that beautiful heart and soul! And I believe that never truly leaves us. I see that beauty in my younger sister who befriends every new student who walks through the doors of her school. I see it in my mother who taught me to be open to different kinds of people. I see it in all of my sister queens who spend their days promoting platforms that benefit people they do not even know.
I was reminded of how to see the world in a brighter light. So now I remind you to take a moment to revert back to your four year old self and see through those eyes every once in a while. You may be surprised by what you see.
Delanie
Throughout this experience thus far, I have found so much joy in performing for children! Their sweet laughs and genuine fascination and smiles makes all of our work worth while. However, there was a recent experience that brought me to tears and I just have to share it!
This past Tuesday we were greeted backstage after the show by a little pre schooler, who's shoulders did not even meet my knees, holding the hand of her grandmother. Without a single word she thrusted herself against each cast members legs wrapping them into a hug. The grandma smiled politely and told us that her granddaughter wanted to hug us all and then sing us a song! As I knelt down so my eyes could be level with hers, she took my hand and began to sing.
It was a quiet song about how we should all love each other, how we shouldn't be mean and that everyone should be friends. As I listened to this little one sing about how she wants everyone to just love one another, I couldn't help but shed a tear. We all applauded when she finished and I gave her one last hug before her grandma thanked us and walked away.
This encounter left me thinking about how beautiful and pure her heart is and I wondered "When does that leave us? Will it soon leave her?" The reality is that she still lives in a world that has no hate. A world without rude comments, vindictive behavior, malicious attacks, gender bias, racial prejudice, or war. She sees all that is good and kind and the unfortunate thing is that one day that pure heart will possibly become tarnished by the evils of this world.
As saddening and true that is, this encounter did teach me something or rather reminded me of something. We were all once that little girl who saw the world with big unadulterated eyes. We all once had that beautiful heart and soul! And I believe that never truly leaves us. I see that beauty in my younger sister who befriends every new student who walks through the doors of her school. I see it in my mother who taught me to be open to different kinds of people. I see it in all of my sister queens who spend their days promoting platforms that benefit people they do not even know.
I was reminded of how to see the world in a brighter light. So now I remind you to take a moment to revert back to your four year old self and see through those eyes every once in a while. You may be surprised by what you see.
Delanie