Wholehearted Day
Take a journey through a Wholehearted Day! Follow a guardian and child as they experience a day in the world. A tool that connects and comforts modern families separated during work/school hours. The book focuses on topics such as: why we labor, what it means to be apart, curiosity, exploration, security, development of self, contribution to society, and the small building blocks of daily actions which support a lifetime of learning and sharing experiences with one another.
Expose your children to new words and grow greater vocabularies as you have fun verbalizing this enjoyable rhyming book. And while you read, your children will be exposed to whimsical, colorful, and imaginative paper illustrations. In an attempt to best associate to the characters (regardless of our age, gender, race, or ethnicity) they are represented in greyscale. Help your child find hearts throughout the pages with animals and symbols along the way.
This book is a stimulating, heartfelt exploration of what it means to be a person developing in this world. Whether you are tiny or big each experience matters. Let Wholehearted Day curate a moment in time in which you can snuggle together to speak beautiful words, explore intricate illustrations, and be reassured that your efforts are as important as your bond with each other.
Why did I create Wholehearted Day?
While I was working with my first child I experienced a tremendous amount of guilt and longing to be with her during business hours (she was in daycare). I had an incredible job, with a dynamic future, but could not shake the emptiness I felt while away from her. As a librarian, I sought resources to comfort myself and her before bedtime. I was bone weary tired by the end of the day and I just wanted a quality, loving moment that did not require any more of me (I had nothing left to give). I yearned for reassurance, for both of us, that our efforts were not in vain. A Kissing Hand for Chester Raccoon (by Audrey Penn, Illustrated by Barbara Gibson) was a wonderful gift because it provided a much needed sanctuary while I struggled to be a working mom. But, I needed more.
I worked through another pregnancy and decided to stay at home for a while after my second child was born. I did not think I could make it through another separation. My Aunt Doris lovingly offered us affordable housing we figured the rest out. After a few months of being at home I felt compelled to write a story that could help process my emotions and craft a comforting message to other guardians. The months of writing was an unveiling process. The story started so dark and I realized that it was my many layers of depression and self loathing speaking. This is not what I wanted to contribute to the world. I had to search my soul and unveil truth. It took a lot of introspection to forgive myself about not being with my child as a baby.
It took even more processing to understand that we are all on a journey. Each of us, no matter where we come from, what we look like, how we speak, how small or big we are, or what roles we hold. We all have the opportunity to grow. To lead lives with purpose and authenticity. That becoming a parent was not all about giving, it was a reciprocal relationship. All the incredible experiences that manifest in a lifetime can be shared. That my children, family, friends, community, and all of earth’s people have the chance to lift, support, and learn from one another. That there are no real rules in parenting or life (except the Golden Rule). Working, staying at home, whatever way it needs to work for your family (ever changing and cycling) will be a resounding success as long as you live in love. That your character and its many qualities of respect, communication, loyalty, empathy, boundaries, compassion….these are the foundations. The rest is flexible to flow, fluid. And that a person’s growth is in symbiosis to that with which they connect.
As I have been at home, with my now three children, looking at what my own future holds I am determined to follow my heart. And it has lead me back into the workforce. 6 years almost to the month that I started this journey, I find myself in a new beginning. And now, I have Wholehearted Day to comfort myself and children that our separations are not in vain but an opportunity to grow and determine our own narratives and futures.
With consistent and applied pressure, hard-work, and the constant battle of keeping my ego at bay, I have a real chance to experience the world and its many wonders. To observe, admire, gather, and to create expressions that may comfort or connect people. We need to support each other in this world, not cut each other down. We need to bond and mend our differences. Its not about being right, that will not keep you safe or feed you or grow you. Its about curiosity. Finding the people and world around you fascinating, lowering our insecurities and anxieties. Create fun! Embracing humor and humility. Forgiving ourselves for our failures (and knowing that failure is part of the process). Giving ourselves the opportunity to learn from each other. Our love can abound. It can flourish. It can ripple. The more of us that choose this path, the more it positively impacts the people, animals, and environment of our world.
Wholehearted Day is an expression of love. Fundamentally. And I hope with all my heart that you can find a quiet stimulation and bond somewhere in its pages. If one family can sit together and find comfort because of this tool it will make all its efforts worth it.
Please, love yourself. Love others. Let your love burn bright. Peace to you and those you greatly hold.
