Field of (Broken) Dreams

When seen from across the lake, these 1400 spinning pinwheels glittered like reflections on the water. Only when you got close did you learn that each pinwheel represented a case of child abuse that had been helped by a state service organization. I neglected to write down the particulars and can't find any more information on the garden website. It is a chilling testament to the worst in human nature. And yet also a sign of hope that others will be there to protect children.
Thanks to rayswrld for finding a link for further information on this program: http://www.preventchildabuseva.org/pinwheels.htm

[bonnie lee wilson]

I can't think of the exact famous saying --" All that is needed for evil to prevail is for good men to do nothing" . This is a wonderful testament to all the good men & women who are trying to protect the children.
I agree with you -- chilling to think of the "hurt" children; hopeful to think of the children's advocates.

[Della]

this makes me feel so sad but also, like you mentioned, I'm glad they have help......

[Rainee]

that got me sad...people should be more aware. thanks for sharing

[Denise Vetromile]

it's an arresting shot, Allison ... and makes me incredibly sad. As a teacher, I see more children whose "stories" break my heart than I care to think about. Not just abuse, but neglect, poor parenting, sheer survival (for children, parents, families).

[weslyn hoekstra]

sad are the ones that are unknown and not helped yet. Thanks for sharing.

[Elizabeth Hanna]

Goodness...what a sad memorial.....such a lovely idea to have it....but the pain that it represents..... dreadful.

[rayswrld]

The idea that someone could abuse a child is so abhorrent to me that sometimes I can't even get my head around it that it actually happens. i think of my grandchildren and others their young age and wonder what kind of evil there is in someone to mentally or physically abuse someone so innocent and trusting. Sad. Very sad.

[rayswrld]

Here is a link I found... http://www.preventchildabuseva.org/pinwheels.htm

[Karen Hurd (hwy61)]

So glad you shared this, Allison, and like Ray said, it hurts to your very soul to know so many children are being abused, for some, even by people they know. Hard to comprehend.

[Kathleen Setier]

Allison - Your photo gives me actual chills. Upsetting but thought-provoking photo. Thank you.
Rayswrld - Thanks for the link.

[Sue Stephenson (Swazzette)]

Such a moving and sad tribute to man's inhumanity. I saw a church in my neighborhood tying blue ribbons to their fence last week, and am now wondering if this ties in with this effort. Thank you for bringing it to our attention, Allison.

[nichole robertson]

Wow. This is both heartbreaking and hopeful.

[Mrs. Smith]

Interesting! I have seen this before...but you know what I found even more interesting is the sound that all of them made on this particularly windy day. For some reason, I can't forget that...haunting to me.

[Barb]

Wow, what a powerful image! It feels like despair, sadness, hope and triumph..........I am grateful for the awareness it brings!

[Theresa Reagan]

Thakn you for sharing....powerful.

[Lois P]

Thank you for sharing this.... so sad to know what these pinwheels represent, but pleased that we have been made aware of this.
Thank you Allison