My Heart's Wish
Last week, I went to a teacher-gathering in the evening. My eight-year-old asked to use some felt and thread while I was gone.
"Are you sure you're okay on your own? I won't be here to help you."
"I'll be fine, mom."
A mama's dream. With a twinge of sadness that this little girl is not so little anymore. So away I went and, when I came home, she gave me her heart's wish.
She made this mama teary-eyed. I believe in the power of hearts. And wishes.
She created two small hearts. The pink one is 1.5 inches across and the pocket-heart is about two inches across. They are very simple to make. The little heart has a heart bead inside of it, no stuffing at all. She sewed the bell on, then sewed them together, sealing the heart-shaped bead inside. I doubted her idea at first. But, sure, enough, I find a great tactile comfort in feeling that little heart shape inside the bigger felt heart. The fact that the heart is sewn shut and the bead is safe and sound inside is also soothing. The jingle bell is cheerful. Again and again, I learn to trust the creativity in children.
Her larger heart is a pocket-heart. She sewed a heart shape on the back and front separately, then attached both hearts together with an open top. She gave it to me with a story that the heart is meant to be shared. I can write her little notes and then she can write me little notes and we can both write wishes. The heart keeps giving.
I hope to sew enough for each student in her class, or perhaps put a few in the mail for cousins and grandparents. I asked her where she found her inspiration and she said, "I just thought of it."
I love many things about these hearts (of course), but my treasure is the personal stitching that catches her age perfectly. We may be tempted to guide children towards neat, even stitching and perfectly cut heart shapes, but really, the imperfections shine. Even her little knots with the strings fraying are wonderful.
Children can play with felt like they play with blocks and paints. Their wishes are magical.
Thank you for sharing, Anika!
