WHEN GRIEF ENCOURAGES US TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
In May of 2014, every parents’ greatest fear became a reality for Sharon, Massachusetts resident, Ann Beach. Her twenty-six-year-old daughter, Victoria, was murdered.
Most parents suffering such a loss would be consumed by bitterness and anger. But despite Ann’s shock and pain, she refused to allow the last two minutes of Victoria’s life to define her daughter and dominate Ann’s memories. Victoria was a positive person, quick to forgive and eager to enjoy each moment. Ann became determined to pay tribute to her daughter’s unique and loving spirit by helping the community.
Ann’s original idea was to raise money for worthy causes. But she decided to honor Victoria in a more personal way by creating an instructional program that incorporates activities Victoria enjoyed: history, writing and art. Victoria was a gifted artist. Her early love of doodling developed into a talent she displayed on a variety of surfaces including driftwood, cereal boxes and sneakers. Ann’s goal was to use a combination of visual arts, writing and verbal expression to help children view the world in a new way and think about what truly makes them happy.
The result was “Snapshots of Joy,” a program designed for children ages seven to thirteen. It consists of four to five sessions, each one hour long. Ann begins by distributing disposable cameras. (Her explanation of how they work never fails to fascinate!) She asks the kids to take pictures of things that bring them joy. After Ann develops the film, each child picks out his favorite picture and writes a paragraph explaining why that particular picture is so meaningful. Ann enlarges the photograph and mounts it on foam board, along with the written paragraph. The program ends with an exhibition of all the photographs.
“Snapshots of Joy” focuses on the process, not the outcome. Nothing is graded or critiqued; the emphasis is on the journey. Our fast-paced society pressures children to move on to the next, the newest and the best. In contrast, “Snapshots of Joy” allows kids to slow down, notice what’s around and look inside themselves to discover what generates inner tranquility. Ann believes this in-the-moment activity helps kids “withstand the impulsiveness and sense of urgency so prevalent in today’s world.”
Ann taught her first program to three children in June 2015. Since then, she has run “Snapshots of Joy” in Sharon, Stoughton, Chelsea, Dorchester and Roxbury. Venues have included schools, libraries, YMCA’s and St. Stephen’s Mission. By the end of 2017, Ann will have shared this wonderful program with three hundred and forty children. Her family remains supportive and enthusiastic; Ann’s youngest daughter taught alongside her this past summer.
“Snapshots of Joy” is designed for kids of all backgrounds and religions. However, its adaptable nature allows Ann to tailor the program to the needs of the participating organization, whether it be a school, library or religious institution.
Ann Beach’s labor of love exemplifies the Jewish concept of Tikkun Olam and our responsibility to repair the world. We must never forget this responsibility even when we struggle with a tragedy. Abraham and Moses both ask God why people must suffer. Can there ever be a satisfactory answer to this question? The reality is, even if we could understand why God allows suffering, a tragedy can never be undone. We might not have control over life, but we can control how we react to adversity. We can choose to make a difference.
Ann Beach is making a difference in children’s lives. Creating and sharing this marvelous program has been part of her healing process; Ann’s continued enlightenment has led to the enlightenment of others. She believes Victoria would have wholeheartedly approved. Through observation and creativity, children can find magic in unexpected places.
Read more about “Snapshots of Joy” at www.findingonesvoice.org. Any organization interested in this program can contact the website, and donations to Finding One’s Voice are tax-deductible.
This article was published in The Jewish Advocate on November 24, 2017.
