Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Magic Words Discovered
Well, all, I had pretty much decided to just move on from the topic and keep private what's private. Trouble is, I'm nearly 60 and don't really understand social media. Joe and I sung the 'magic words' which I adapted changing the word in the original 'lovely' to the name 'Ruby' and then posted it on YouTube. I figured then Ruby could just go and watch it with her parents while waiting for the book.
After it uploaded we called and through the amazing technologies available we were able to watch her watch the video. She thought the video was live and when we said, 'Hi Ruby' she called back, 'Hi'. She filled in the silences with responses. It was awesome. Best, she loved the song.
We'd emailed the words:
I'm OK with being me
There's no one I'd rather be
I've a peace within my heart
That your names can't break apart
I don't care what you say
You can't wreck my Ruby day
So that they would have them there. She's been practicing the words to the song and loves that it's 'just for her'. Terrific. We felt we'd been active and responded quickly with something that was fun without getting all heavy with her.
Now, here's the thing, I didn't realize that some people subscribed to my YouTube posts and when I got to the hotel this evening, there were a couple comments and a couple emails. So the cat is out of the bag.
One person wanted to link to the song on her blog, I asked her to give me an opportunity to share it here first.
Thanks all for your thoughts and opinions ... I appreciate, again, the tone of the discussion.
These are my magic words, and as others pointed out, they may not be yours, may not make sense to you, you may even think they are silly. But they mean something to me. They mean something to Ruby ... and besides ...
I've got a peace within my heart ...
This is just lovely, Dave. I'm so glad you shared with us.
ReplyDeletevery very cool..lucky Ruby to have you and Joe to love her soooo much.
ReplyDeleteJamie
beautiful
ReplyDeleteOh, that's so much nicer than "sticks and stones." The idea that even though words hurt, every child knows that, there are some things in our soul which they can not touch -- the idea that we can have a safe part of our heart -- is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI wish I had a rhyme like this when I was a child and suffering bullying.
... heck, I might just sing it to myself in my adulthood.
Dave, whatever mean things someone might say about your song: Remember that it's beautiful and remember that it makes you strong -- that nowadays it makes Ruby strong and it might just make me strong. Like some parts of your heart, there are some things that words just can't change. That's one of them.
wow. really wonderful. thank you. lucky Ruby. lucky us.
ReplyDeleteAww, guys...that was fantastic!! Ruby is indeed blessed to have you in her life. And so are we! I expect I'll be humming your song for the rest of the day. And the next time external forces get a little rough, I'll remember that nothing can wreck my 'Brenda day'. Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteWell done Dave, not only does Ruby have the words but also a video of 2 of her favorite people singing them for her. This is truly magic.
ReplyDeleteI love them. I have some magic words as well *blushes*
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on winning Best Personal, Best Health and 2nd Best Overall in the Canadian Blog Awards Dave. Yay!!
ReplyDeleteJust BEAUTIFUL! What a treasure for Ruby to have, and now that it's on YouTube, others can have the opportunity to be protected with the magic words too :)
ReplyDeletePeace in the heart is a wonderful thing. Means you made the right choice. Have an outstanding day.
ReplyDeleteThank you thank you thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteI shared this with my four year old this morning - Maddie. She is not being teased that I know of, but it is a huge fear for me.
Tears came to my eyes. The love that you have for Ruby shines through!
ReplyDeleteThank you Thank you Thank you!!!!
ReplyDeleteAnother tool to put in our belt:)
I am sure you hear this all the time, but want to tell you that my daughter Maddie will have a better life because of you - your books, your blog, your speaking.....
dave,
ReplyDeleteI've been searching for something to give my son to carry with him to "repel" the bullies that tear him apart even though he is bigger and smarter. I told him the "Dude, I'm twice your size and three times as smart" ( which IS TRUE!!) and printed Ruby's song but added his name, hope you don't mind. He is autistic and has trouble making friends to start, then when they join the "regular crew" calling names he is just brutalized. Thanks Dave from the top, bottom and whole of my heart for sharing... Noah's Mom
Thank you, Dave. They are beautiful words.
ReplyDeleteYou came up with that as a child being bullied? I'm impressed.
ReplyDeleteSome people may think it's a silly little ditty: so are a lot of the important songs of our childhoods. (And adulthoods.) Silly little ditties come in handy - and a not-so-silly little ditty provided by a favourite uncle for an adverse situation probably thrice handy. Every time Ruby thinks of it, she'll know you're behind her.
You guys are amazing....and what a journey from bone chilling terror to this light, loving, fun song that many of us will be humming.....and using.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beauty Dave :) onya mate
ReplyDeleteThanks Dave and Joe. I have tears in my eyes typing this, Ruby is very lucky to have you two in her life. And so are we!
ReplyDeleteyou guys are so cute!!! Look at the robe, all snuggly and warm, and joe lookin so dapper!!! I wish my kids had u 2 you for poppas!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky girl Ruby is! Life, people and their words are often harsh. What a gift to give her power / choice of how she interprets these interactions. More importantly, whenever she feels threatened / burdened, she will likely connect it to your genuine concern, love and beautiful gesture.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, beautiful song from two beautiful spirits. Thank you Dave.
ReplyDeleteSimply awesome. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteOh Dave....
ReplyDeleteI think I must be tired or something I am in tears.
Thank you x I wish I had had words like that.
Dave and Joe, Ruby is a lucky little girl to be loved by the pair of you. If any of my pre schoolers could speak, I would teach them the song as well :)
ReplyDeleteTERRIFIC!
ReplyDeleteDave,
ReplyDeleteyou now have a new fan, my 4 year old daughter. She loves your song (as do I) and I'm sure will use it as she negotiates her way in the world.
I love your magic words. If you don't mind, can I share them with my students? I think your magic words are so much better than the old "stick and stones" chant.
ReplyDeleteThank you for trusting us enough to share them.
Sunshine.
Sunshing and Shadows and to everyone who commented, thanks for being so positive and thanks, further, for sharing my little 'song' full of 'magic words' with others, old or young who may need them. I've said before and I'll say again, an awesome bunch of readers you are.
ReplyDeleteDear Dave:
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Awesome!
In one of my classes I teach about resilience. One of the things the researchers say is that having one loving supportive relationship with an adult helps a kid to overcome adversity. Ruby is so lucky to have such a loving family! This will help her to get through the nasties of life.
Colleen
Colleen
Adorable! I love your words! They are strong and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Tonja
Untoward Lady, your comments are spot on! I, too, wish I had had this song as a child who was bullied. The old "sticks and stones..." saw my mother used to try and help just never worked for me. Names DO hurt! What I needed was something self-affirming, something to remind me that I was perfectly okay the way I was.
ReplyDeleteDave, your words ARE pure magic! "I don't care what you say, you can't wreck my lovely day." is going to be my new mantra. Why, I'm humming it now...
Sue
that is incredibly lovely and I'm bookmarking this so I know where it is when it'll be needed. I know a lot of kids and many of them have experienced bullying, will likely experienced bullying in the future.
ReplyDeleteYou sharing what was private and sacred to you will have ripples. Thank you.
It's a lovely song! Like the great children's books it's perfect for children, but timeless as we age. Thank you so much for sharing it!
ReplyDeleteWonderful!
ReplyDeleteHere's mine. It's to do both with showing my place in the world, and helping anchor me when my senses permit no other comprehension. It's about my friendship with rocks.
The rock in my hand tells me
That there is a world out here in this swirl
The rock in my hand tells me
That things will not disappear
The rock in my hand tells me
That there is a world out here in this swirl
The rock in my hand tells me
That things will not disappear
The rock in my hand sings an avalanche song
To the rocks in the ground all around
It sings fearful power and boldest delight
And of death and of sand and of love
The rock in my hand tells me
That there is a world out here in this swirl
The rock in my hand tells me
That things will not disappear
The rock in my hand tells me
That there is a world out here in this swirl
The rock in my hand tells me
That the world has a place I belong