Barney & The Library
As I walk into the Seymour library in my hometown of Auburn, New York, a sense of relaxation spreads throughout my body. I feel comfortable in this setting, because I can remember being a small child, no older than six, and coming here every week with my grandmother.
As I walk into the colorful children’s section in the basement — a flashback occupies my mind.
I am seven years old again, and my grandma and I are sitting in big red bean bag chairs reading to one another. We are delighted to be surrounded by hundreds of books in such a relaxing setting.
At six years old, I was deeply fascinated by Barney. There were always dozens of Barney books to read located in the library. This was a passion that both my grandmother and I shared.
We are reading each page to one another and as we finish the book, my grandma flamboyantly sings, “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family...” We would always sing this song to one another because it signified our special relationship as the spoiled only grandchild to a grandmother filled with love.
And of course, this song was from every Barney book and television show we watched together.
I felt at ease when she sang to me, and when she moved away a year later, I would sing it to myself in memory of her and I spending time together in our secret corner of the children’s section.
As I snap back into reality, and look ahead of me, I realize that the children’s section has not changed one bit from over eleven years ago. It is still the same old place I would spend quality time with my grandma.
A thought fills my head.
The library and the books within them has changed me as a person.
Those memories with my grandma will always be dear to my heart, and without her, I would have never experienced the warmth that Barney gave to us both.
I am who I am today because of those days in 2004 filled with Barney books, songs, and love.
As I walk into the Seymour library in my hometown of Auburn, New York, a sense of relaxation spreads throughout my body. I feel comfortable in this setting, because I can remember being a small child, no older than six, and coming here every week with my grandmother.
As I walk into the colorful children’s section in the basement — a flashback occupies my mind.
I am seven years old again, and my grandma and I are sitting in big red bean bag chairs reading to one another. We are delighted to be surrounded by hundreds of books in such a relaxing setting.
At six years old, I was deeply fascinated by Barney. There were always dozens of Barney books to read located in the library. This was a passion that both my grandmother and I shared.
We are reading each page to one another and as we finish the book, my grandma flamboyantly sings, “I love you, you love me, we’re a happy family...” We would always sing this song to one another because it signified our special relationship as the spoiled only grandchild to a grandmother filled with love.
And of course, this song was from every Barney book and television show we watched together.
I felt at ease when she sang to me, and when she moved away a year later, I would sing it to myself in memory of her and I spending time together in our secret corner of the children’s section.
As I snap back into reality, and look ahead of me, I realize that the children’s section has not changed one bit from over eleven years ago. It is still the same old place I would spend quality time with my grandma.
A thought fills my head.
The library and the books within them has changed me as a person.
Those memories with my grandma will always be dear to my heart, and without her, I would have never experienced the warmth that Barney gave to us both.
I am who I am today because of those days in 2004 filled with Barney books, songs, and love.
******
The Vacation of a Lifetime
“Wake up, wake up, wake up!!!!!” Your six-year-old sister, Irelynn, shouts in your ear rather abruptly waking you out of a deep sleep.
It’s five in the morning.
“Come on Jordan. Today’s the day!” Irelynn says with enthusiasm.
You look up and find yourself face-to-face with your adorable blue-eyed baby sister staring down at you from beside your bed. You smile because you now realize the reasoning for her excitement.
Today is the day you’re going to Disney World with your family.
Seeing the excitement of your sister brings joy and warmth to your heart. You can’t wait for her to experience Disney World for the very first time. She’s heard all about Disney from watching hours of television and listening to her family talk about their exciting experiences at this magical place.
Today is finally the day she has been waiting for, and you are as delighted as she is.
You and your little sister strut out the door together, luggage in hand, and ready to land in a magical fairytale filled with pixie dust and wonder.
Five hours go by, and you have now landed in Orlando, Florida. As you step off the airplane and embrace the hot and humid air, Irelynn tugs your arm and exclaims, “Hey, look at all of those palm trees, I’ve never seen them before!” You nod your head and watch Irelynn as she widens her eyes and she takes in all of her surroundings. She is feeling something you have felt so many other times before — a sense of wanderlust. She is in an unknown place and is desperately wanting to discover it.
After you land, you find that your hotel is right by the beach. Your sister begs you to take her to the ocean. You swim and bask in the sunlight together with wild, salty hair from the sea.
Tomorrow is when the real fun begins. You, Irelynn and the rest of your family will continue your vacation and visit your first theme park: Magic Kingdom.
It will be an absolutely magical experience for all, especially Irelynn.
And a vacation where dreams come true.
The Vacation of a Lifetime
“Wake up, wake up, wake up!!!!!” Your six-year-old sister, Irelynn, shouts in your ear rather abruptly waking you out of a deep sleep.
It’s five in the morning.
“Come on Jordan. Today’s the day!” Irelynn says with enthusiasm.
You look up and find yourself face-to-face with your adorable blue-eyed baby sister staring down at you from beside your bed. You smile because you now realize the reasoning for her excitement.
Today is the day you’re going to Disney World with your family.
Seeing the excitement of your sister brings joy and warmth to your heart. You can’t wait for her to experience Disney World for the very first time. She’s heard all about Disney from watching hours of television and listening to her family talk about their exciting experiences at this magical place.
Today is finally the day she has been waiting for, and you are as delighted as she is.
You and your little sister strut out the door together, luggage in hand, and ready to land in a magical fairytale filled with pixie dust and wonder.
Five hours go by, and you have now landed in Orlando, Florida. As you step off the airplane and embrace the hot and humid air, Irelynn tugs your arm and exclaims, “Hey, look at all of those palm trees, I’ve never seen them before!” You nod your head and watch Irelynn as she widens her eyes and she takes in all of her surroundings. She is feeling something you have felt so many other times before — a sense of wanderlust. She is in an unknown place and is desperately wanting to discover it.
After you land, you find that your hotel is right by the beach. Your sister begs you to take her to the ocean. You swim and bask in the sunlight together with wild, salty hair from the sea.
Tomorrow is when the real fun begins. You, Irelynn and the rest of your family will continue your vacation and visit your first theme park: Magic Kingdom.
It will be an absolutely magical experience for all, especially Irelynn.
And a vacation where dreams come true.
