A couple years ago my wife Susie was listening to the song "He" by Jars of Clay, and my then 9 year-old Carly thought the sound of children laughing at the end of it was funny. Susie explained that the song was about child abuse and Carly was absolutely floored that parents could be so cruel to their children. Carly then read Dave Pelzer's autobiography, "A Child Called It", and was deeply moved. When she found out this year's PTA Reflections Program theme was "Together We Can", she titled her contribution, "Together We Can End Child Abuse". We went to see her work on display tonight, and here it is, proudly displayed on my virtual refrigerator door.
Wow-that is a beautiful story and image that your Carly has drawn. I'm very touched by this on a very personal level. Congrats to you, you must be very proud!! Oh, and I knew we were neighbors, but it sounds like we're even in the same school district? We had the exact same Reflections theme. Again, great story, thank you for sharing. :)
This is so wonderful! i love the quality of her work, so mature and detailed. You absolutely should be so proud of her, not just her talent of course, but her beautiful heart that you and your Wife have nurtured. Thank you so much for sharing!
wow,this is such a powerful image. I too have read David Pelzer's books.So very sad but also very uplifting to think he could come out the other side of abuse like he did.
This touched me and moved me on a very personal level. Tell Carly i said thank you for caring. I put this up on my virtual fridge. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3CxfRniNVQ
i just got chills. partly because this is such a powerful and moving piece of artwork, and partly because i am so impressed that it was done by your 9 year old! i work so closely with the areas of child abuse and neglect in the courtroom and want to take every kid home with me. kudos to carly...she is amazing!
@alisongbradshaw
Thanks, Alison. Carly was 9 when she first understood what child abuse is. She's 11 now, and she's hoping to attend the local high school for the arts next year.
I have not read that book yet but I am not sure if I will be able to get through it. Child abuse is just one of those topics...I either can't wrap my head around it (because I can) or it completely breaks my heart. Either way, I can't NOT be affected. You are pretty amazing, my friend. Clearly the apple does not fall far from the tree.
That's so touching it brought tears to my eyes, Brad. I think that's probably the one thing I haven't talked to my girls about, I don't think they would be able to understand either. Ugh, I sense one of "those" conversations coming...I would definitely want them to be aware in case one of their friends needed help.
She is quite the talented and thoughtful artist, isn't she?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3CxfRniNVQ
Thanks, Alison. Carly was 9 when she first understood what child abuse is. She's 11 now, and she's hoping to attend the local high school for the arts next year.
Thank you for your comments. I'll be sure to share them with Carly.
She is quite the talented and thoughtful artist, isn't she?