All Kids Are Inspiring

OUR CHILDREN CONTINUE to show me how amazing all children are.  They also continue to make me more sensitive to children’s issues and youth stories of success.

Thanks to NPR and my local radio station KTOO I recently heard a feel-good story about Caine, the 9 year-old with imagination, a can-do attitude and a cardboard arcade that’s gone viral in the last week. I was happy to hear an uplifting story, which can be rare in the media world driven by negativity and sensationalism. This story gave me warm fuzzy feelings but did not prepare me for the ten-minute movie that it introduced.

Halfway through this short video my eyes were fully pooled and by the time the credits rolled, more tears were flowing down the path of previous tears.

This inspiring nine-year-old boy has imagination, passion, and creativity to create what he enjoys. And beyond Caine, the primary subject of the film, there are so many others involved that make this story amazing, too.

I want to know more about Caine’s father George. He says that the cardboard arcade keeps Caine “out of his hair” but his influence is clear. I can see pride in his face when he talks about this son. I am sure that Caine’s father purchased the shirt that Caine designed for his arcade continuing to encourage his endeavor as a young entrepreneur. He is shown checking in with his son and his fledgling enterprise.  Good work George. You deserve some credit for Caine’s success.

This sensation would not have happened without the good hearted efforts of Nirvan Mullick. He is the filmmaker who literally stumbles into Caine’s world and thrusts the story of Caine and his arcade out into the You Tube universe. Nirvan deserves credit for his recognition and an appreciation for the creations of this kid. Nirvan’s ideas and positive efforts have undoubtedly changed the trajectory of this boy’s life. 

The final credit belongs to the 2.5 million plus people who have viewed this film and donated to the scholarship fund to send Caine to college. To date over 150K has been donated to the scholarship fund to send Caine to college! Additionally the support has been so overwhelming that a foundation for other creative children like Caine has been created in his name.

Yes this story is unique and Caine is special, but so are all children! I am in constant amazement of my own children and their growth and accomplishments. They have fully opened my eyes to how amazing all children are. This story is a good reminder to be supportive of the future endeavors and ideas they have.  At the same time this shows how much of a difference I can make in the lives of other children around me by noticing, encouraging and promoting their efforts as well.