Healer of Hearts

Kara is a friend I met at church a few years ago.  I had the opportunity to know her better as I was part of her Child/Parent Relationship Therapy group last spring.  She is a play therapist and soon-to-be college professor, and she led this group as part of her dissertation studies.  It was here that I discovered many things--lessons about myself, tools for my family, and the truth about our leader.

You see, Kara is a rock star.  She has made her life's mission of reaching children deeply impacted by trauma and loss, and works to provide a roadmap to healing for the families who love them.  She has a unique understanding of small people who have led painful lives overwhelmed by big problems, and her approach to helping them heal is inspiring.  Through the therapy she leads and the classes she teaches, she is putting families back together.  The compassion, respect, and patience she applies as she connects with each child is amazing, and she provides skills for their parents to do the same.  I came away from this experience knowing the world would be a better place if we all treated each other with the same principles taught in this special group.

Kara recently graduated with her PhD in counseling.  I was honored when her husband asked me to create an art piece for her as a graduation gift.  He wanted something related to her field of study, but left the rest up to me.  As a play therapist, Kara teaches "play is a child's language, and toys are their words", so when I came across my stash of old toys, I knew they had to be part of her piece.  The doll shoe in the center has a tiny heart inside, complete with copper wings so it may soar.  Inside the tin cup on the K block below is a line of text from a 1910 book that reads "she likes to play".  Oh my, how I loved making this piece.  As each part came together, my awe and appreciation for Kara led the way, and so did my passion for the work she is doing.  (I will be making more assemblage boxes soon to sell on Etsy and at art shows this fall.  I also have a custom order in the works with a pair of baby shoes for a precious little girl's 2nd birthday, CUTE.  :)

We will say goodbye to Kara and her sweet family soon as they move to Wyoming where she will begin her job at a university.  There she will reach more parents and children, as she teaches her students to do the same.  We will miss them all.  I will always be grateful my path crossed with Kara's.  She is a Healer of Hearts, a Soother of Souls, and I know miracles will continue to happen under her care.  Rock on, dear Kara.  You will bring goodness and hope wherever you go.   Thank you for everything.