“Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them.” -James Baldwin-
According to James Baldwin, an American writer, children are quick to catch up on actions and behaviors they see being adopted around them. They begin to imitate and act in ways that please them when they learn through observing people. They are like a blank page—ready to be filled with notes. It is really important for adults to showcase qualities and actions and behave in ways that are positive and could influence a child’s mind and heart in an encouraging and constructive manner. Children are very keen observers. They see what and how we do things, how we speak, and how we react. What they most specifically notice is whether we are doing what we say or commit to. In their world, a promise is more than a mere statement. It is a testament to the bond shared between them and the people around them. It is a way in which loyalty is showcased and proven. The moment an adult makes a promise to a child, it seems to be imprinted in the child’s mind, replayed continuously, and eventually, practiced by them. This is what happened with Calvin Dudley on what appeared to be a relaxing fishing trip on a Tuesday after a hectic day at work.
A PROMISE BY THE BEACH
My Promise to Emily by Calvin Dudley narrates a life-changing moment from Calvin’s own life. This very moment not only provided a new perspective on one of the most important phenomena of the human world, but it also depicted how many ways a mere promise can positively influence and child’s mind and heart. Calvin, being an Exceptional Student Education Specialist and a teacher for behaviorally challenged students, went on a solo fishing trip after a hectic day at work. This was the place where he met Emily, a beautiful thirteen-year-old girl. Something about her captivated his mind, and he couldn’t help but talk to her. The book is based on how both Calvin and Emily felt when he made a promise to Emily about giving her his big catch and the impact of his actions on Emily’s young heart and mind.
PROMISE, FAITH, AND LOVE The Promise
There was something about her that captivated Calvin’s mind that made him promise Emily that he would give her his next catch as a gift. When he first made a promise to her, Emily’s face lit up with excitement. It wasn’t the ‘fish’ that made her excited, but the thought of being valued, cared for, respected, and feeling seen made her delighted and joyous. This wordy commitment by an adult she just met made her trust him, a commitment she treasured in her heart and felt its warmth. Emily felt secure. The ‘First’ Catch Upon getting his hands on the biggest catch he ever had, Calvin ended up not giving Emily the catch as he had initially promised to do. It was then that Calvin sensed a sudden shift in Emily’s expression. Despite being disappointed and sad, she didn’t lash out at him or accuse him of betraying her when they had just met. She was hurt, and her trust wavered in that very moment, but she held onto the little hope in her heart that Calvin wouldn’t leave his word unfulfilled. Calvin felt guilty, and so he again made a promise to Emily. The ‘Second’ Catch Finally, Calvin handed over his second catch to Emily, despite this catch being even bigger. Emily’s disappointment vanished into thin air. Her hurt and sadness were transformed into joy and excitement. She had nothing but gratitude for Calvin. Moreover, she felt relieved, and her faith in him was restored.
THE FOREVER LASTING IMPACT OF PROMISES ON CHILDREN
This promise-keeping and commitment fulfillment moment had a deep and positive impact on Emily’s heart and mind. The following are some of the impacts of showcasing these qualities around children that can be beneficial for their mental and cognitive development and growth:
- Strengthened Trust.
- Self-worth Uplifted.
- A Sense of Forgiveness.
- Becoming Emotionally Resilient.
- Value Honesty.
- Enhanced Emotional Connections.
CALVIN AND THE POWER OF PROMISES
Calvin’s My Promise to Emily is more than just a narration of an event; it is a warm reminder of how we, as adults, often consider promises and wordy commitments the easiest to break, and leaving them unfulfilled, especially when made to kids. However, the reality is far more complex and complicated than it may seem at first.
When one makes a promise and then breaks it, a kid’s core values and beliefs are dependent upon them, and their foundation is laid rather wrongly. In the end, it turns out to be the factors that carve an individual’s nature and personality. Mere words can leave a lasting impact on both a child’s heart and mind. But it is upon us to discover how to keep our words and promises so that we, the adults, can set up positive role models for our children and influence them in a much more treasured and positive manner.My Promise to Emily by Calvin Dudley is now available on Amazon.