Meet Paisley | She is Beauty Revived

By Belle Eve Photography

Photographer Joyce Mills

 

“Just be kind.” This is a common sentiment heard among friends, in schools and churches, and a frequent corrective response from parents to children when they aren’t treating others nicely. It’s an easy phrase to say, but is sometimes dismissed as an oversimplified solution among many, often reflected on the news and on social media. It is often the simplest gesture, however, that can have the greatest impact. A quick, thoughtless, negative word or action can devastate a person, leaving them buried beneath the weight of the belief that their life doesn’t matter. The choice to demonstrate kindness, however, shows a depth of character which takes a tremendous amount of selflessness and courage. Kindness truly makes a difference. It is a really big deal.

It is because she holds this courageous kindness so closely to her heart that Paisley was nominated multiple times for the 50 Beautiful Children campaign. Meet Paisley. At the tender age of 5, she excels at showing kindness. Kindness bubbles out of this precious girl who loves with reckless abandon and knows no strangers, and it hasn’t gone unnoticed. She is the sunshine in her parents’ eyes not only because she is their daughter, but also because of her innate ability to seek out ways to show kindness. As I sat on the park bench with Kari, Paisley’s mom, I felt inspired. That day was her brother’s birthday. As Kari pulled out her son’s new “golf set” from her car, she shared the story of how she and her husband asked Paisley if she would like a golf set too sometime. Paisley’s response was, “This is his day”. Instead of focusing on self, she wanted her baby brother- her best friend, to have a great birthday. Little did she know that her parents had already purchased her a pink golf set and instructed her to discover it in the closet. This is just one of many examples of her character.

In May 2016, Kari donated her hair to help those who have lost their hair because of cancer treatments. When she explained to Paisley what cancer was and why she was getting her beautiful blond hair cut short, Paisley decided to donate her hair too so that she could help. She also plans to do this again in the very near future.

One day after watching the news about a recent school shooting Paisley wanted to know what happened. After explaining to her that someone chose to hurt kids at a school, she thought a moment. Next, she asked, “Why someone would do such a thing?” Her parents explained that that sometimes people make mistakes and hurt other people even though it isn’t right. It isn’t fair to the others that they hurt. Paisley responded, “Maybe they didn’t give enough hugs”, hugged both of her parents then ran off to play. That moment was one that really impacted her parents. “We hug both of our children each day no matter what. She has taught us to persevere and see the beauty in everyone and to look for the good in others. Her love for others reminds us to let things go and move on.”

Paisley graduated from preschool this past spring. There was one child in her class whose parents were unable to attend the graduation ceremony. After the ceremony ended, the child remained standing on the stage. Paisley, full of compassion, went to get her so that she wouldn’t be alone while signing preschool year books then included her in pictures with her own family. During the craft time that followed the ceremony, she made the girl a picture frame in addition to including her during the craft time.

Paisley finds beauty every day in life and in others. Seeking to treat others with kindness even when she may not know them makes a positive impact on her community. When talking to this sweet girl, you cannot help but notice the love she has for her family and others around her because of her friendliness and thoughtfulness. Her example of treating others with kindness is remarkable; it is a reminder for us all to show care for others. At the end of her session her mom offered to buy her a treat since she did such a good job. In true Paisley fashion, she told her mom that they had to get her little brother some candy too. What would happen if we all followed her example? She will continue to make a difference one act of kindness at a time.

 

Williamsburg Botanical Garden, located in Williamsburg, Virginia

 

 Photographer Joyce Mills

Joy is a creative and enthusiastic portrait and wedding photographer based in Yorktown, Virginia.
She loves to capture family legacy and share stories with her photography. In her free time she enjoys
spending time with her husband, Mike, her three kids, and her boxer named Booker.
She loves spending time outdoors and dreams of going on a backpack trip in the future.

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