Tumuaki / Principal Message - 21st of June 2024
This week, a Story. 'The Green Field of Dreams'
Once upon a time, a spirited young boy named Leroy lived in a small town between rolling hills and a river. One of Leroy's best friends was his grandfather, Grandad Dan. Grandad Dan was known for his yarns, warm hugs, and impressive football skills. Leroy and Grandad Dan would play football in the garden every afternoon, laughing and competing with joy.
One sunny morning, Leroy noticed that Grandad Dan wasn't out in the garden, ready to kick the ball around. His parents explained to him that Grandad Dan had passed away peacefully in his sleep. Leroy felt a deep sadness wash over him. He couldn't imagine life without his beloved Grandad Dan, his football buddy.
Leroy's parents comforted him and shared a unique story that Grandad Dan used to tell them when they were little.
"There's a magical place called the Green Field of Dreams," his father began. "When someone we love dies, they go to the Green Field of Dreams. They are healthy, happy, and surrounded by everything they love, especially football."
"But I miss playing football with Grandad Dan," Leroy said, his voice trembling.
His mother hugged him tightly and said, "It's okay to miss him, sweetie. It's a sign of how much you loved him and how much he loved you. But remember, Grandad Dan's love is always with you, like the sunshine that warms you or the flowers that bloom in the garden."
Over the next few days, Leroy noticed something magical happening in Grandad Dan's garden. Flowers began to bloom in even brighter colours, butterflies danced more joyfully, and a beautiful green field seemed to stretch out in his imagination every time he played football.
One day, while Leroy was sitting in the garden, a butterfly with sparkling wings landed on his hand. It seemed to look at him with gentle eyes. Leroy felt a warm sensation in his heart and remembered the Green Field of Dreams story.
"Grandad Dan, are you sending me a message?" he whispered.
The butterfly fluttered its wings and flew into the sky, joining the other butterflies in a beautiful dance. Leroy smiled and felt a sense of peace. He knew that Grandad Dan was happy on the Green Field of Dreams and that he would always be a part of his life.
Leroy decided to take care of Grandad Dan's garden and continue their football tradition. He planted new flowers, watched the butterflies, and set up a small football goal in the garden. He practised daily, imagining Grandad Dan cheering him on and giving him tips on improving his game.
One day, Leroy told his children about the Green Field of Dreams and Grandad Dan. He showed them the garden, now even more beautiful than before, and shared the stories and love passed down through the generations. They kicked a football around, and Leroy smiled, feeling Grandad Dan's spirit in every game they played.
And so, the magical garden thrived, filled with love, memories, and the vibrant colours of life. It was a reminder that those we love never truly leave us. They live on in our hearts, in the beauty of nature, and in the love and strength we share with others.
What's the message?
When someone you love is no longer with you, it's normal to miss them and feel sad. Remember that you can always hold on to the special memories you shared. These memories keep their love alive in your heart and help you feel connected to them, no matter where they are.
Being kind and gentle with others is also important, as we don't always know what they might be dealing with. Just as you feel the sadness of missing someone, others might feel the same. Your kindness can comfort them, just as the love and memories we hold onto comfort us.
With love,
Your Principal, Mr James