Alana, Amare & Emma

12 Years A Flower 

Submitted by dad & uncle

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I gathered my amazing nephew, Amare (12), my talented niece, Alana (8), and my little daughter, Ema (4), around a table. Placed right in the center was a captivating box filled with an array of vibrant colors, just waiting to be unleashed onto a blank canvas. So, I handed each of them a sheet of sketch paper and gave them a simple task: draw a flower in 5 minutes. What unfolded next was a moment in time that I will appreciate forever—watching each of their unique approaches and artistic spirits.


Amare, with his inquisitive mind, approached the task mindfully, raising thoughtful questions about why he was asked to draw a flower. Nevertheless, he embraced the challenge and delved into the realm of creativity. With each stroke of his pen, he exhibited a great sense of precision, focusing on creating bold and dark lines that brought the flower to life on the paper. His attention to detail ensured that the flower he crafted had an astonishingly eye-catching effect, making it truly stand out.


Alana, always cautious and considerate, began her artistic journey by contemplating different mediums. She initially toyed with the idea of using colored pencils but, after careful consideration, she picked up a pen and eventually settled on a pencil. This decision allowed her to approach the task with even greater intentionality. As she sketched, she poured her energy into the delicate petals, breathing life into each stroke. Alana had a remarkable ability to infuse her artwork with a sense of gentle motion, creating a flower that exuded grace and tranquility. The curves and waves she meticulously added resulted in a wonderfully smooth and captivating portrayal.


Ema, my little bundle of courage, fearlessly embraced the challenge before her as she grabbed the color pencils and began her creative exploration, observing the strategies of her older companions. With her youthful exuberance, she focused on using earthy colors, determined to make her flower radiate happiness. Ema's creativity even extended beyond the boundaries of the flower as she spontaneously added a beaming sun to nurture her creation. Her uninhibited approach led to a vibrant and joyous piece of artwork.