Four years ago, my son brought home a How-To Origami book from the library. My husband and I found it endearing and encouraged him to read the book, or at least try to. He was only six years old at the time. Everyday, he read a little bit. He would come to us and ask for help sounding out certain words, but after some time, he was able to get through the book.

We thought, even though the book seemed a little advanced for him, that it would be good practice. He seemed so enthralled with the book, we figured the artwork was getting his attention. A few days after he had finished the book, we noticed tiny pieces of paper in his room, on the dining room table, in the bathroom, pretty much in every room of the house that he spends time in. Initially, I dismissed the little folded treasures as play-ground projects that most school-aged children play with. However, I began noticing that these little folded pieces actually resembled things: a duck, a tea-cup (not sure how he was able to do that) a flower that moved to imitate the budding and flowering process. I was absolutely shocked! This kid, my sweet little six year old who loves baseball, bubble gum, and singing in the shower actually created these tiny objects. The kid was performing & creating origami artwork!

You must understand how absolutely ridiculous my husband and I felt, after we sifted through the book and had a hand at trying this for ourselves. I couldn’t do it, I don’t have the patience. My husband is a laborer, and said his hands can’t manipulate these “damned tiny” pieces of paper. We felt so stupid we had to laugh. Then of course, we convinced ourselves that our true passions had never included origami, so we felt slightly better. However, the perspective that I had for my six year old changed forever. He’s the youngest of three boys, but I have a distinct feeling he may be the most challenging. He’s ten now. He’s an average boy, with lots of friends and activities. Yet, for some reason, I can’t seem to categorize the snowflake that he recently brought home to us as being an average snowflake.

He’s a little kid with a big mind….and a big snowflake 🙂