Spread Your Wings: To Be A Kid

Hi again! This week, we explored parts of Kentucky in Harlan and Knott County. I think Harlan has been one of my favorite counties so far, downtown is pretty, there’s a good ice cream place, I found some good clothes in Goodwill, and lots of kids at ASP worksites, which makes my heart happy.  

One of the worksites had the sweetest 7-year-old boy who lived with his grandma. She took him and his two sisters in when he was 11 months old. Goliath is full of light and life. He runs around nonstop and watches the volunteers work all day long. I showed up on the first day, and they were nothing but welcoming. He was walking around watching the volunteers and asking many of them to play. He had an ASP shirt that last week’s group gave him. His grandma said he enjoys all the volunteers and loves ASP. It was great to see the volunteers stopping their work to play with Goliath. From jumping on the trampoline to playing basketball to swinging on the swings, there was no shortage of fun on that worksite. 

As I was walking around taking photos on the worksite, Goliath asks, “Is that a camera?” I say “Yes.” He then says, “I know how to work one of those,” I say, “Oh really. Do you want to try?” He took me up on that request, and we then walked around together, taking photos. It was one of the sweetest moments of the summer. Goliath took my camera and was taking pictures of everything around the worksite, having me pose and we were just having fun. Yes, I could’ve been taking photos of the volunteers for my job and not let him use my camera, but I would’ve missed out on this special moment. It was the cutest thing watching him take my camera around, there was a light in his eyes, he was having so much fun. Something so simple meant so much to me, being able to share my passion with a child. We then showed his Grandma all the photos he took, he was very proud.  

As we left the worksite to go to the next, an idea sparked in me. Why don’t I get Goliath a camera since he loved mine so much. So after our day of visiting worksites was over, I went to Walmart and found a kids camera for him. I was so excited to give it to him the next day. It was the best $10 I have ever spent.  

The next day, I was so excited all day to give the camera to Goliath. When I gave it to him he smiled ear to ear and wanted me to show him how to use it. He was definitely surprised by the camera and walked around taking photos again, but this time with his camera. He ran to show his grandma, who was also surprised by the gift. She kept telling me throughout the afternoon that he was tickled to death by the camera as he went around snapping photos of everything. It made my week, even my summer to know this little boy will be able to continue to take photos and that I could be apart of his life even for a few short days. Oh, and don’t worry we jumped on the trampoline too!  

I think the hardest part about this job is leaving the homeowners, volunteers and worksites after a few short days to head to the next center/county. But Goliath and his grandma made it 100 times more difficult. I had made such a deep connection with both of them. From sitting on the porch with Shirley to running around the yard taking photos with Goliath, I had the best time with them. I told Goliath I had to leave and he asked when would I be back. That question from the little 7 year old boy made my heart hurt knowing there’s a chance I may not see him again. I had to tell him I wouldn’t be back for a while but would try to visit again before the summer was over. He looked a little sad, but I gave him a hug and told him to enjoy the camera. To Goliath, you are a smart, kind, fun kid who is going to do amazing things. It was amazing to meet you and so hard to leave. Have fun with ASP and enjoy your camera! 

Although Goliath was only 7 years old, a lot can be learned from him. His kindness to others as he helped the volunteers was inspiring. His curiosity about my camera sparked a connection between him and I. His energy to always have fun and laugh put a smile on my face. Visiting Goliath reminded me that sometimes it’s ok to slow down and be a kid.  

So spread your wings, but not so far that you forget to enjoy the little moments.  

Until next week!

Haley Holcomb

Story Gathering Intern