I'M BEGINNING TO FORGET
This illustration was inspired by what I am told is a true story.
A very little girl asked her parents for permission her to talk to their new baby in private, without grown-ups present. The parents agreed, but being a little concerned, they listened in through the intercom. This is what they heard:
"Tell me about God, Baby, I'm beginning to forget."
This story is about myself when I was little. I had to make a picture of it to bring its reassurances into my mind. It is painful and scary to find oneself surrounded by others who are not aware of the inner life. And it makes one lonely. Many people speak of feeling lonely when they were children -- but they never say why.
I believe that we have forgotten or shut down the truth about who we are because early in our life people around us weren't heeding their own inner world -- much less ours. I believe that very small humans hold this chamber of remembrance wide open. I never forgot, but I quickly understood you couldn't speak of such things here -- to anyone. The inability to express our truth separates us from ourselves and also from others.
I know I'm not alone in having this childhood experience. Reclaiming this inner truth is our challenge now. In fact, it is our ONLY challenge.
Words & Pictures © by Arlene Graston
All Rights Reserved
