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An Informed Child is a Safe Child

Our Children are Our Greatest Treasures; Therefore Deserve Our Greatest Protection

I am published author K. F. Stewart, (Faith) Mother of 10, Grandmother of 7, Motlow State Community College student of Psychology, staff writer for the MSCC student newspaper ‘The Motlow Monitor’ and a Motlow Literary Journal (The Mosaic) 2008-2009 Award Winner. I will graduate MSCC spring, 2009. I possess invaluable credentials via my personal life experiences of which no amount of paper documents could equal, yet am enjoying tremendously being a college student walking the road God has mapped out for me at MSCC.

AS a very young child between the ages of 4 and 9, and sporadically throughout my teenage and young adult life, I was a victim of numerous attacks by predators, (family and non-family) the motivation behind my creating this parenting tool/child safety resource.

Please join me and many others on this QUEST to EDUCATE, through providing this invaluable resource. YOU CAN HELP by adding to the many great reviews “The Magical Dolphins Safety Adventure” has received from: Pediatrician, RN’s, Elementary and Middle School Principals, Elementary School Teachers, and Concerned Parents in general.

 Please take a few moments to write a brief review of (1-3) sentences. Know that you will be empowering parents and children, and are taking Part/Action in helping to provide safety-lessons which will help children remain non-victims of child predators.

 Thank You and God Bless.

 Author/Speaker/Child Advocate 

 K. F. STEWART    www.safekidzz.com

“Twenty-One Gun Salute: Memoirs of Innocence Lost--Freedom Found” (published 2004) (Amazon has the most info)

“The Magical Dolphins Safety Adventure” (total pages with illustrations, 35-38)

(1^st in a series)

Email address:  kfstew@safekidzz.com  

(Home # 931-394-4537) (Cell # 931-588-8101)

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THE MAGICAL DOLPHINS SAFETY ADVENTURE

By: K. F. Stewart

 

Many years ago… in the Land of Dolfinea, humans from the earth and magical dolphins from the sea began talking to each other, using floating-bottle-messages. They became very good friends and helped each other whenever possible.   

            It all began with two young dolphin princes, Shimmer and Bright. One day, while having their usual dolphin-fun, racing alongside the bow of a great ocean-liner, there suddenly appeared thousands of messages-in-bottles floating all over the oceans surface! Each bottle-ocean-gram held the same message; “PLEASE HELP US TEACH SAFETY LESSONS TO OUR CHILDREN!” The young princes felt honored by this invitation. Shimmer and Bright saw that the humans needed their help. The dolphins were known to be the wisest of all earth’s creatures and were happy to be chosen to help the humans teach their children. And so began “The Magical Dolphins Safety-Camp” in the under-sea Kingdom of Magical Dolphins. Every year, Shimmer and Bright and their many helpers carefully prepared safety-lessons and many fun, Dolphin-Camp activities.

            Each summer, bottle-ocean-grams magically appeared in lakes and streams, backyard pools, puddles of water, and along the shores of beaches all over the world. Children everywhere received bottles. They waited anxiously for their special Safety-Camp permission slips for it was known throughout the land of the humans, when swimming with the Magical Dolphins, one could magically breathe underwater!

           Sometime later… in a town far away, eleven-year-old Sam and his younger sister Ellen awoke early. They were very excited because today their new backyard pool would be ready for a swim, and today… they would go to Dolphin Camp!

          The sun shone brightly through the pink-flowered curtains hanging from Ellen’s bedroom window. She gently rubbed her eyes, remembering her awesome dream of swimming with beautiful dolphins. Ellen hugged her new, blue and gray dolphin pillow she’d received recently on her seventh birthday. She called out across the hall, “Hey Sam! Today is Dolphin Camp!” The children received their camp permission slips six weeks before.

            Sam yawned and stared at his favorite dinosaur poster tacked to the wall by his bed. He suddenly sat up and jumped to his feet. Sam and Ellen heard Mom and Dad’s muffled voices coming from the kitchen. The aroma of sausage, eggs and buttered toast filled their nostrils. The children dressed and went downstairs, where their morning meal was waiting.

            Mother was a nurse. Father, a firefighter, smiled at Sam and Ellen, opened the front door and said, “Have fun at camp, see you guys later!” Father gave a peck on each cheek. Sam and Ellen waved good-bye, then ran to the backdoor and excitedly peeked out the window at their new pool.

            At Breakfast, Mother announced that the pool would be ready for a swim before noon. Sam and Ellen jumped up and danced around the kitchen table chanting loudly, “We’re going to Dolphin Camp! We’re going to Dolphin Camp!” Mother filled their glasses with orange juice. Sam and Ellen ate their morning meal excitedly. “Can we swim all day?” Sam pleaded anxiously. “We’ll see,” replied Mother. Little did Sam and Ellen realize that an amazing adventure was about to begin. After helping clear the table, Ellen asked, “What is Dolphin Camp like?”

            “Let’s see… Magical Dolphin Camp was just about the most fun I ever had as a child!” exclaimed Mother. The children raced to their rooms to change into their bathing suits. With bathrobes and towels in hand they prepared for a swim. “Summer is going to be so much fun!” Sam shouted. Ellen laughed with glee.  

            Sam and Ellen were very good swimmers. They had taken lessons the summer before and often swam with their parents in Seahorse Pond. Seahorse pond was where they found two bottle-ocean-grams. Today, they would swim in their very own pool, but even better, they were going to The-Kingdom-of-Magical Dolphins-Camp!

            Just before noon Mother announced, “Let’s get ready to swim! Meet me in the kitchen. We’ll go over the pool safety rules and don’t forget the sunscreen lotion."                                                                                                 

            After Mother explained the rules for a safe swim, the children opened the sliding door and stepped onto the deck. Sam and Ellen let out a hoot! Their smiles widened as their eyes spotted the big, blue slide that spiraled around and down, finally entering the crystal clear water. Ellen saw a bright red cardinal perched on the fence, surrounding the pool area.

            They soon heard the soft whir of the pump’s motor gently cleaning the water. Sam spotted a net attached to a long pole. “This pole is for skimming bugs and leaves from the water’s surface,” said Mother, as she lifted the pole for Sam to inspect.

            "What is that floating in the water?” Sam asked.

            “A container that holds chlorine tablets, which help keep the water fresh.” Mother replied. She then sat on a lounge chair nearby and began reading her favorite book.

            Sam and Ellen dropped their robes and towels onto the deck. At the shallow end of the pool they saw three, curved steps, leading into the sparkling water.

            Following an hour of loud laughter and play on the slide, they sat down on the warm, green and white tiles at the edge of the pool. The very instant their feet touched the cool water; it began to mysteriously swirl and churn. The children glanced at each other in wonder. Suddenly, Sam and Ellen jumped, for an explosive splash revealed two beautiful dolphins.

            “Aloha!” The dolphins chimed in greeting. “We are Shimmer and Bright, at your service! This is the most perfect day for an awesome, undersea adventure!” Sam and Ellen ran to Mother, joyfully sputtering, “It’s time to go to camp!” Mother smiled at the two dolphin counselors and children, recalling her own excitement as a child going off to dolphin camp. Mother hugged Sam and Ellen, then answered, “I’ll be right here when you return.”

            You see, time on earth passes much faster than time spent under the sea, so Sam and Ellen would be back from camp shortly, according to earth time.

            The children gently slipped onto the backs of the dolphins and held tightly to their dorsal fins. The foursome waved at Mother, then disappeared under the swirling water. Instantly, Sam and Ellen realized that they could magically breathe underwater, and hear each others’ thoughts as well. “Wow! I don’t have to hold my breath!” Sam thought, glancing at his sister. “Me either!” thought Ellen. Then, quite unexpectedly, the walls of the pool opened up into the deep blue sea.

           After passing many different kinds of sea creatures, Shimmer happily informed the children, “The City of Magical Dolphins is not far from here!” Four beluga whales appeared on the right. Passing on the left, two smiling mermaids waved at Sam and Ellen.

            Bright chattered, “We have been called to the outer world to be protectors of the innocent. Our job is to share valuable safety-lessons that will help keep you safe in your world.”

            The children listened intently, and did feel safe with the dolphins. Suddenly, Sam and Ellen’s eyes widened, for a magnificent castle appeared in the distance. Near the entrance to the city they glanced to the right, where a very large, old, sunken-treasure-ship was being intensely guarded by twelve Giant-Seahorse sentries. The noble guards allowed the foursome entry into the ship while in friendly unison, shouting “Welcome!”

            After exploring every inch of this once great vessel, and meeting the various creatures now inhabiting it, the children saw the city’s main gate safeguarded by a gigantic gray octopus. They passed through the gate and sped toward a colorful, coral reef.

          Sam and Ellen smiled brightly at all the exotic fish surrounding them. They saw Golden Butterfly-fish and many Emperor Angelfish. They passed dozens of Clownfish, Lionfish, and Dogface Puffers.

            A few moments later, the dolphins and their riders surfaced into a dream weaver’s vision of gold and crystal glass, reflecting off walls that sparkled like diamonds. They had entered a wondrous, undersea cave more beautiful than anything they had ever seen on earth!

            Sam and Ellen noticed other dolphins and children arriving. “Class shall begin immediately following our picnic!” announced Bright cheerfully. The dolphins gently set their students onto a side shelf in the enchanted cave, just below one glimmering wall. There was much laughter and talking, while the students waited for the picnic to begin.

            Suddenly, with a wave of one of Shimmer’s flippers, an immense picnic was spread before them. There appeared a delightful variety of sandwiches, big colorful bowls of tropical fruit, rainbow splashed cupcakes, and delicious milkshakes of every flavor. The children ate while watching several dolphins playing water polo nearby. The lunch ended with the left over food vanishing as quickly as it had appeared. 

            Sam and Ellen then noticed a very large, old dolphin with a cane, slowly entering the cave. “Hello children! I am Sir Swims-a-Lot. I attend all classes in the undersea Kingdom of Magical Dolphins. Safety lessons are my favorite!” he chattered. The cave became very quiet as Shimmer announced, “Today we have two very important safety lessons to learn.”

          Next, Sandy, the Giant Sea Snail entered with a large, round shell for a projector.  “For today’s class, I brought a special video all about personal safety!” she exclaimed.

            The first lesson began on the subject of being safe around strangers. Sandy turned on the projector as Shimmer continued, "Teachers, family and friends are not strangers. Everyone else should be considered a stranger.” Shimmer added, “You must never take anything from strangers and you should tell an adult if a stranger approaches you and offers you something, such as a ride home, gifts, or candy. Never go anyplace alone and always use the buddy system. The buddy system is where two or more friends play together, both watching over the other. Finally, make sure you check with your parents before going anywhere. The class listened carefully as Shimmer finished with the first lesson.

          “Now for our next lesson,” Bright began. “We are going to learn about personal body safety. Your body is private and belongs to you, and you alone. Today, we will learn about three different touches. There are good touches, bad touches, and secret touches. A good touch would be a hug or kiss from your Mom or Dad, or a hand shake from your teacher. A bad touch would be if someone hits, pushes, or kicks you. If a bully is bothering you, tell your parents or teachers right away! A secret touch is a touch on any private area of your body.

            “Mother told us we must not let anyone touch us where our bathing suit covers,” Ellen responded. “Excellent!” Shimmer and Bright chattered in unison. “Your Mother is very wise indeed.” Shimmer added, “And you must never be afraid to tell if someone is bothering you in such a way, for there is nothing to be afraid of. Telling an adult or trusted friend is the best way to make them stop.” Bright went on to explain, “Sometimes your Doctor may need to examine your body if there is something wrong.” Sam, Ellen and the rest of the class nodded in agreement, smiling at Shimmer and Bright. Sandy turned the projector off. The class ended when Shimmer announced, “Now children, we have an extra special surprise for you!”

            Suddenly, the undersea cave magically turned back into Sam and Ellen’s swimming pool. After performing the most fantastic show of twists, leaps and dives, Shimmer and Bright saluted the children with a mighty, magical splash then disappeared beneath the sparkling blue water.

            A few moments later, while climbing the ladder of the big blue slide, Sam and Ellen glanced at each other, silently wondering. “Had they dreamed the entire adventure?” for Mother continued reading her book. Deep down inside though, Sam and Ellen knew they had learned valuable lessons that day and couldn’t wait for their next adventure with the Magical Dolphins. 

 

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Copyright © 2007 K.F Stewart. All rights reserved.

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