Tribute to the Children

The incident is too sad to discuss so without adding further commentary on the horrific tragedy that occurred this past week in Newtown, CT, where 20 children and 7 adults who were irrationally killed, I simply wanted to post a small tribute in their honor with a couple of children’s murals I had collected.

This 270 sf’ mural painted by Sarah Cannavo reminded me of all the wonderfully illustrated children’s books I read when I was a child and those that I recently boxed up from my boys’ younger days. We recently filled 4 heavy duty banker’s boxes with books that will remain classics and probably become valuable collector’s items one day. I couldn’t just throw or give them away. Some you’ll never be able to find again — either out of print or all digital versions. Plus, memories of many storytelling sessions were recalled just by viewing their covers. They were a literary portal that transported my boys’ thoughts and imagination and made me appreciate how innocent and adorable children could be. How fitting that this is located in a children’s school library of Roberts Elementary School in Moorestown, NJ.

Finally, here’s a beautiful section of mural panels painted in the mortuary chapel of the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh. They were originally painted in 1885 by Phoebe Anna Traquair, who became “became the leading artist in the “arts and crafts movement” in Edinburgh and is also regarded as the first important professional female artist in Scotland.” They depict themes of motherhood, redemption and the spirit’s journey.