The majority of us spend a whole lot of time in our cars. Running to and from work, transporting kids to and from events and rushing to get the shopping done. We base our routes on landmarks that we see and that become so familiar to us. Often times we aren't even aware of what significance some of these landmarks might hold.
On a daily basis I pass a house on Centerville Road that has four steel sculptured whales in the front yard. When I first saw it, I thought it was interesting and maybe it was the yard of a person who just REALLY like whales. But this past September 11th I learned that there is a story behind the whales.
I was doing my daily driving on that day when I noticed a large number of people strolling through the yard looking at these whale sculptures. I had to stop and get the story. Bill Brinson is the man behind the whales. His story began shortly after 9/11 when he was moved to do something to try and lift the spirits of those grieving following such a tragedy and create a place for people to heal from the events of that day.
Bill Brinson and some friends got busy working with electrical wire reels, paper metal lave, stucco and plaster to create four huge, larger than life, hand-crafted whale sculptures. There are four of them, one for each of the planes that went down on 9/11. There is Glory-to glorify those we lost, Faith-for the faith we have to hold on to that things will be better, Hope-to hold on to the hope that such a tragedy never occurs again and Grace-which represents the grace that life still holds for all of us.
Bill Brinson has opened his yard with the sculptures to the public. When the children and I were there we were all amazed at how magical it is. In addition to the whale sculptures that actually spray water, there is a swing and an American Flag that remains up year round. It is a wonderful place to reflect on the things that happened that day and how our lives changed. My children all know about 9/11, but this was a nice environment to answer more of their questions about a day that now is a part of their history. Don't let the "Whale House" be one of the landmarks that you miss when you are driving around or in town for a visit. It will be a truly moving experience. Be sure a take a moment to see the "Whale House" located on Centerville Road. For more information and directions go to www.whalecalledglory.com.
Tags: 9/11, Outdoor, Tallahassee, Whale
Blythe NewsomeBlythe Newsome is a single mother of six children ages 6,8,10,12,14 and 16. While a morning radio show host, her family was featured on an episode of the Supernanny in 2007. The reality of this single mom who spends her days getting GI Joes out of the toilet, explaining to her girls that you can not cut your hair like you do your Barbie’s, convincing herself that ketchup on a hotdog counts as a vegetable and letting America see what hides underneath her couch cushions made her family one of “America’s Most Asked About Families” from the show according to producers. ABC came back to film the 100th episode which aired in March 2010. When not playing the role of nurse, teacher, chef, referee, taxi driver, coach, or housekeeper, she writes a syndicated column called Flirting with Forty.
“As a Tallahassee native, I am passionate about this city, raising my children here and I am always searching for new adventures for us. When people think about a vacation, this is the place to come. The city is rich in history, annual events and provides people of all ages with something to do”. Each week Blythe and her children will share with you the stories and pictures of the adventures that are waiting for you in Tallahassee!
