So maybe the email didn’t exactly come from the land beyond the wardrobe, a lion writing emails? Now that would be a story to tell! However, I did receive an email from the stepson of C.S Lewis.
I was in high school, and our English professor had asked us to write an essay about an English author of our choice. To me, this was a no brainer. I had always loved the books written by CS Lewis, his way with words, the way he brought his imagination and fantasy to life page after page – he saw the world with different eyes.
He too saw the magic in the little things.
My classmates giggled, are you really going to write about Narnia? That’s a children’s book! We are in High School, we don’t read, nor do we believe in those stories anymore – or perhaps you do? They laughed and I would lie if I said it didn’t hurt inside.
Yes, I was growing up and yes, things were changing. But did this mean I had to put aside the joy and wonder I felt inside when I watch the variety of snowflakes falling from the sky or watched the flames dancing in the fire. Wasn’t there a special feeling with the shifting of each season? Or something delicious about taking on a new book not sure where the story would take you or what you would learn? I remember telling my mother that I loved to learn, but I hated school in general. I wasn’t like the other kids; it was like my brain was wired in a completely different way. Was there something wrong with me?
I wonder if Mr. Lewis ever felt different and out of place? A grown man imagining a magical country inside a forgotten wardrobe, how was that accepted? Perhaps he had felt the same? I couldn’t very well ask him as he had passed, but his stepson was still alive.
I started researching our small countryside library but found very little facts, it pretty much stated the things I already knew, author of Narnia. So I decided to try something new and go online and try Altavista (the google of that time). And wouldn’t you know it! I found an email address.
Less than a week later, I got a replay! Not only did he provide answers about his stepdad but also told me not feel bad about not fitting in. Your imagination is a gift! Hold on to your uniqueness, it will provide you with everything you need to make it from vision to reality. If you close your heart to the magic and wonders happening around you, how will you ever be able to write, live and share the story you were meant to?
Cleaning out my mother’s garage the other day I came across the letter, I had forgotten I still had it. Reading his words was a welcomed reminder that we are all born special – we just need someone to remind us.
