A Helping Hand

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”

                                                                  - Harriet Tubman

Dear Mama,

I’m sorry it’s been a while since I’ve visited and checked in. I think about you often.

I’d say I’ve been busy, but that’s not fair to you. You deserve better than some lame excuse to say why I haven’t been around like I used to. But I’d like to think you can appreciate and understand why.

I just hope that you are proud of me. Your little bird has flown the coop. I’m soaring higher than I thought I would and yet, I can’t help but feel guilty that I haven’t made more time for you.

I’d like to say I will from now on, but I can’t let myself make a promise I might not keep, not when I’m finally seeing the fruits of our labour.

I just wanted to say Thank You, for everything you’ve done for me. I may not show how grateful I am, like a typical child, but I’m also not a child to you in the typical sense.

I’m not yours by blood, but in spirit.

I appreciate everything you’ve done for me; pushing me to try new writing styles, reminding me to inject personality into my pieces, keeping me honest, and reminding me that the most important tool I can possess is self-confidence.

I know you have never asked for recognition or thanks. After all, I am not the first and certainly not the last of your little fledglings. But I want you to know that I am grateful for what you have done for me and what you continue to do for others here on Vocal.

You nourish, care for, and guide us as we grow into our craft. Then, when the time is right, you bid us goodbye as we spread our wings and fly into the world. Hoping that we will return, still remembering the lessons you had taught us. You watch us spread joy and share our talents, while you take on another batch of fledglings that will have you to thank for their successes.

So for that and so much more, I would like to say Thank You Mama Novel for your many lessons, sharing your wisdom and being a shining light on Vocal that many of have needed.

Your Forever Fledgling,

Donna Fox (HKB)

Author’s Note:

This is an entry for the Dragon Beside Me Challenge, where they have prompted us to write about a woman who influences or has influenced us during a time of need.

For me, one of the first people that came to mind was Mama Novel, or Novel Allen, as most of you know her. She was the very first person I started talking to on Vocal and was the first person to encourage me to venture out and try other genres, new styles, different narratives and publishing in different communities. She was also the person who told me to socialize and make friends with people on this platform, so I dare say that without her guidance I wouldn’t know many of you wonderful people like I do now. And for that, I am eternally grateful, because I dare say that I like most of you more than the real people I encounter in everyday life!

So Thank You Novel for taking me under your wing and teaching me to fly. I appreciate you and all that you do/ have done for me!

I know I used a lot of bird analogies in this piece and that is mostly because that was what we often used when talking about her mentorship over me. But upon further inspection, I think she empowered me more than I will ever really know. I think she has shown more qualities of a mother dragon than a bird; her strength, love and determination to help others see their potential is why I feel she is worthy of honouring in the Dragon Beside Me Challenge.

So from the bottom of my heart, thank you Mama Novel!

Much love,

Donna Fox (HKB)