A Transforming Experience

By Carly McDermott, Client Relationship Manager for Nature Explore

“Every child is a different kind of flower, and all together, they make this world a beautiful garden.” –Author unknown

One evening after our weekly family dinner, my father catches my 8-month old son, Miles, eyeing a simple flower on the kitchen island. He immediately picks it up and goes to hand it over.

Thinking with my left-brain, I automatically interject with “Dad he’s going to make a mess.” My wise father however, hands the flower to Miles, who acts surprised at the new wonder in his hand. He holds it still for a while as his brain processes all the details and intricacies of the delicate white plant.

He begins to wave it with force, watching the petals rustle as if blown by the wind. He then discovers that these petals are removable. And so, carefully uses his thumb and pointer finger to pick off each part.

Before we know it, we are all engrossed with his wonder and discovery. And at the end of the day, the story is not about Miles and the flower but about us remembering how the simplest moments with nature can be so transforming.

I think we sat on that floor for 30 minutes. The experience reminded me of how grateful I am to work at Nature Explore because it opens my eyes to why allowing more opportunities like this one, is so transforming for children.

And of course, I am grateful for Dimensions Early Education Program, where Miles has the ability to play and grow. And have flower-like interactions on a daily basis.