A few weeks ago, "The Photo of the Week" series brought the story of Hazel and Violet's drawing of their heroes, the Urban Partners LA team, a group of volunteers distributing food and essentials to the Los Angeles community. However, there was another beautiful story behind the picture that deserved a separate part in the series. Interviewing some of the members of UPLA, the drawings illustrated the power messages and a show of appreciation can have, despite age difference and circumstances.
As mentioned in Part 1, Hazel and Violet's drawing of the UPLA team was an incredible gift to the volunteers, who have been working hard to provide to families in need during the pandemic. One of the major reasons they started drawing cards was when UPLA's Executive Director Trinity Tran, who they loved and looked up to, was hospitalized after an unfortunate accident.
Douglas McBride, the father of Violet and Hazel and regular volunteer, explained that "It was a massive shock at the time. She was missing for awhile at UPLA. I learned on a Saturday soon after it was because she’d slipped and plummeted 72 feet off a cliff. She was airlifted to a hospital and the word was she might be paralyzed," says Douglas.
It was in that heartbreaking moment, the girls were moved to create their first of many drawings of their heroes. Two girls, ages 5 and 7, chose the road to encourage, heal and empower rather than be overcome by the shock and worries of Trinity's accident.
"It was their first try, but it was made with a lot of love and light. It was based on the Rad American Women books, with ‘T is for Trinity’ written at the top. It ended up being the first of five portraits of various volunteers, and it culminated in the big group art pic," says Douglas.
Trinity explains the impact these pictures has had on her recovery process.
Question: I'm so sorry to hear about your accident, and I hope you are recovering well. Doug's story that he shared was very touching. What did it mean to you when you were recovering from your accident? For a group of people that do not share the same blood or last name, to cry for one another and to care for one another. This must have meant a lot for you during this difficult time.
"Thank you, I’m extremely fortunate to be at near full recovery after a severe accident. While in the ICU, I had minimal contact with the outside world, and heard about much of the support a month and a half later after being discharged from the hospital. I’m profoundly honored and moved to have the love and support of the McBride's and our food bank family and am more determined than ever to continue our mission to heal and rebuild this world"
Question: What did you think of the "Get well Card" from Doug's children?
"It was a beautiful gesture from two young, incredibly creative and compassionate souls."
In times like these during a pandemic that has gone on for nearly two years affecting families, businesses and communities, it is important to remember that we must do what we can in order to overcome these moments together. Whether you are a frontline hero at a food bank or a little girl wanting to provide healing and comfort, no work is too small or too big for us to make a positive impact.
The story behind a picture drawn by two girls showed the different ways we can bring positive impact to those around us.
We can all learn from Trinity and Douglas, who have been leading others and giving their own time, work and effort to bring change and light on to communities. It is important to add that Trinity jumped back into leading the UPLA crew as soon as she was able to, showing that even such unfortunate events could not stop her from helping those in need.
We can also learn from Hazel and Violet who have consistently chosen to bring light, appreciation, and healing in times of trouble or distraught. Trinity and Douglas' family have shown that everyone has their part to make a difference despite their circumstance or age.
To learn more about Urban Partners Los Angeles, visit urbanpartnersla.orgor follow them at @UrbanPartnersLA
