Gifts Rooted in Pain ...

I recently watched the movie, "Saving Mr Banks" which tells the story of the author of "Mary Poppins", P.L.Travers, and her reluctance to allow Walt Disney to bring her beloved Mary Poppins to screen.  Flashbacks into her childhood occur throughout the movie and from that one gets the picture of how the story of Mary Poppins unfolded as well as her deep, deep sadness of her father's battle with alcoholism.

Sitting at the end of the movie with tears pouring down my face, I was reminded of Roald Dahl and his book "Boy. Tales of Childhood" which also delve into his earlier years and the hardships he dealt with.  It made me think how the pain that each author went through led to the most magnificent stories that children will just love for years to come.  Roald Dahl battled with horrible teachers, matrons and headmasters at the English boarding schools he went to and many of his books revolve around children outwitting and getting the better of the nasty adults and teachers.  Just think of Matilda and it's all there in one book. 

Both these authors managed to turn around some of their childhood pain and leave a precious gift to the world. I am so grateful that they did.  I am also so grateful to Walt Disney for keeping his promise to his daughters even if it took him twenty years, and to Pamela Travers for finally allowing her beloved Mary Poppins to shine on the screen and warm the hearts of so many.

Here is the trailer of "Saving Mr Banks."