"All kids need is a little help, a little hope and someone who believes in them." - Magic Johnson
"Scarlett" - A Story About The Power Of Hope
When I saw this video, I knew right away that this had to be shared with the Cubs Community. Inspired by the true story of Scarlett Aida Rivero Osejo, this short, animated film depicts the inner struggle of a girl who lost a leg to Ewing Sarcoma, a bone cancer that occurs mostly in children. Amputation takes as much of an emotional toll as a physical one - especially for a child. This video offers children hope and a sense of belonging at a critical time where they may feel isolated by their medical condition, while evoking empathy in others.
As a parent of a healthy, mainstream child, watching this video gave me a new sense of perspective and empathy for all children, including my own. Instantly, I felt so much love for every being. As parents we often set foot in difficult territories when our child is upset, or sad or even angry. Our entire being, in that moment, is devoted to giving hope and staying hopeful that the moment will pass. But how do you deal with a situation where the reality might not change, but the way you see it could make a world of a difference? [watch the film]
As a parent of a healthy, mainstream child, watching this video gave me a new sense of perspective and empathy for all children, including my own. Instantly, I felt so much love for every being. As parents we often set foot in difficult territories when our child is upset, or sad or even angry. Our entire being, in that moment, is devoted to giving hope and staying hopeful that the moment will pass. But how do you deal with a situation where the reality might not change, but the way you see it could make a world of a difference? [watch the film]
Reading Corner
Title: My Name Is Blessing
By: Eric Walters
Ages: 5 - 9 years
"Based on the life of a real boy, this warm-hearted, beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Baraka, a young Kenyan boy with a physical disability. Baraka and eight cousins live with their grandmother. She gives them boundless love, but there is never enough money or food, and life is hard --love doesn't feed hungry stomachs or clothe growing bodies, or school keen minds. Baraka is too young, and, with his disability, needs too much, and she is too old. A difficult choice must be made, and grandmother and grandchild set off on a journey to see if there is a place at the orphanage for Baraka. The story begins by looking at Baraka's physical disability as a misfortune, but ends by looking beyond the disability, to his great heart and spirit, and the blessings he brings." -- Publishers
By: Eric Walters
Ages: 5 - 9 years
"Based on the life of a real boy, this warm-hearted, beautifully illustrated book tells the story of Baraka, a young Kenyan boy with a physical disability. Baraka and eight cousins live with their grandmother. She gives them boundless love, but there is never enough money or food, and life is hard --love doesn't feed hungry stomachs or clothe growing bodies, or school keen minds. Baraka is too young, and, with his disability, needs too much, and she is too old. A difficult choice must be made, and grandmother and grandchild set off on a journey to see if there is a place at the orphanage for Baraka. The story begins by looking at Baraka's physical disability as a misfortune, but ends by looking beyond the disability, to his great heart and spirit, and the blessings he brings." -- Publishers
Recommended by Cubs Editors
Be the Change
Hope and Faith are two beautiful gifts that we have in our lives as we live each moment by. The foundation of these two beliefs are deeply rooted in our childhood. When a child is completely secured in these blankets, a beautiful being emerges. Talk about those moments with your child, of when you experienced the power of hope in your life. See through the wisdom of a little child while you share those stories. Help your child explore that within his/her own surroundings!
