Healing Through Play: Lessons from a Child
This week, author Kathleen M. Rodgers shares a healing experience she had after two hard losses. You’ll find her bio and links after the article. Thank you, Kathleen.
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Two weeks after the death of my dog Bubba and my elderly ill dad, my friend Paula called.
“Is it possible for you to watch Kaili while I go to a meeting?” she asked. Kaili is Paula’s four-year-old daughter. I almost said, “No, I can’t possibly put on a happy face and entertain a young child for a couple of hours. I’m still so sad.”
“I can take her with me to the meeting if you can’t watch her,” Paula said sensing my hesitation,“but Kaili specifically asked if she could ‘come play with Mrs. Rodgers.’”
Play. With Mrs. Rodgers. How could I possibly say no to that?
Within minutes after Kaili’s arrival, we were both caught up in the little-girl world of imagination. We giggled, ate frozen yogurt princess style–tiara and all–and danced around the house, singing and making up tunes of our own. It’s the first time I’d danced in months.
“Do you have any toys?” Kaili asked.
My first thought was, “Yes, Bubba’s doggie toys.” Then I realized she meant toys left over from my sons’ childhoods. Oh boy, did I ever.
Up the stairs we went to the playroom, Bubba’s old hangout once the kids were grown. I opened the closet door, shut for years, and stared into the faces of my boys’ childhood friends. Ninja Turtles, Gargoyle action figures, and a squad of GI Joes grinned back. Surely my little dancing partner, who loves to play dress-up, would go for the Teenage Turtles over some tough looking dudes in uniform. Nope, she plucked up the soldiers and went to work, arranging them in groups on the couch. Fascinated, I took out my phone and snapped this photo to share with my grown sons
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By the time Paula came to pick up Kaili two hours later, I had a smile on my face and joy in my heart. And some tough guys in uniform, hanging out on my couch, sweet-talking me into letting them stay a while.
***
Kathleen M. Rodgers’ work has appeared in Family Circle Magazine, Military Times, and other national and local publications, including several anthologies. Her debut novel, The Final Salute, has been featured in USA Today, The Associated Press, and several other publications. Her second novel, Johnnie Come Lately, stars a Chocolate Lab named Brother Dog (so Bubba lives on in this book). To read more about her work, please visit Kathleen’s website.
Kris
What a sweet story. I was so touched! Children can be great teachers of how to experience joy in life.
Beautiful!
Elaine Mansfield
Yes, Kathleen wrote a lovely piece about the healing that children offer with simplicity. I’m glad it touched you.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Kris – So kind of you to read my story and leave a comment. So honored to be featured on Elaine’s beautiful blog. 🙂
Kathleen
Robin Botie
Hi Elaine. This was so sweet. Sometimes I think I wouldn’t have the energy or spirit to share time with a child. Kathleen’s story got me thinking it could do me some good. Cheers!
Elaine Mansfield
Robin, I love spending time with the two little girls I know, but don’t do it that often. I’d be prime baby sitting material if I didn’t live half an hour away, but you give me an idea. I’ll give their parents a Christmas gift they’ll love: a night of babysitting.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
What a great idea, Elaine.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Hi Robin,
Thanks so much for taking a moment to comment on my story. In most cases, I find that young children help me look at the world with a fresh pair of eyes. The day Kaili came to visit helped me find joy again.
Happy Thanksgiving to you are your loved ones.
Kathleen
Ann N
What a lovely – and inspiring – story. I listened to a webcast last week featuring Mariel Hemingway and she spoke about this very thing… we all need to play more.
Thanks for featuring this excellent article, Elaine, and thanks Kathleen, for writing it. It brought a big smile to my face. 🙂
Elaine Mansfield
Thanks for sharing this, Ann. Sweet, huh? I need Kaili to come for a visit. Glad to make you smile.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Hi Ann – If we all lived closer, we could have a big-girl playdate. When I write, I try and tap into the little girl in me. If I could time-travel, I would go back and hug her. 🙂
Blessings to you and yours,
Kathleen
Ann N
I love that, Kathleen! 🙂
Patti Hall
Great little story of how the little ones can cure some hard aches and pains. Thank you, Elaine & Kathleen.
Elaine Mansfield
Patti, I think of you writing about your little grans. I’m sure they’ve brought you plenty of spontaneous play therapy to help you through the hardest times.
Thank you for reading and sending a message, Elaine
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Hello Patti – So glad you enjoyed my story. Kaili sure helped me start my road back to joy.
Enjoy the weekend,
Kathleen
Marian Beaman
This story is simply adorable – and so heart-warming too. I’m going to share it on my Facebook page. Thank you, Kathleen, for following your heart, and thank you, Elaine, for spreading the word!
Elaine Mansfield
Thanks for sharing this, Marian, and for reminding us to follow our hearts. This is what children do, and this is what Mrs. Rodgers did when she said yes to a child’s request to play. Always nice to hear from you.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Hi Marian – You are so sweet to share the story with your Facebook readers. Kaili’s mom is so tickled by all the attention of her youngest daughter is getting.
Smiling in Texas,
Kathleen
Debby Gies (D.G.Kaye)
What a beautiful story of inspiration, Children have a secret way of giving us pleasure through innocence, sometimes unbeknownst to themselves.
Elaine Mansfield
Hi Debby.
Yes, Kathleen’s story reminded me of the simple things in life that heal and bring us solace. I’m looking for the Kaili within, because I, too, was once a little girl who loved imaginative play. When I was in the deepest place of grief, I spent lots of time doing therapeutic writing and painting my dreams–adult forms of play.
Thanks for your response,
Elaine
Debby Gies (D.G.Kaye)
Hi Elaine, yes I was like that as a child too. I lived in my imagination a lot, perhaps that is our starting point of turning us into writers? Many children live in imagination or have imaginary friend. I think part of it is through their free wild imaginations and for some it is a sidetrack to avoid their reality.
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Debby – Thank you so much for taking a moment leave a comment about my story. Hope you have a super weekend.
Kathleen
Kathleen M. Rodgers
Dear Elaine,
I am so honored that you’ve shared my story. Your blog is a place I visit on a regular basis, and I always find hope and healing here. May we always be encouraged by the simple joys and lessons that young children bring to our lives.
We are never too old to play.
xoxoxo
Kathleen
Elaine Mansfield
Thanks for sharing your healing story here, Kathleen. I could use time with Kaili and more playtime in general. I admire the support your give other authors, so now it’s your turn.
With gratitude,
Elaine