A Few Words That Made a Story—and a Connection

Note from Elizabeth

When my favorite brother-in-law, Andy LaRowe, told me about his young granddaughter’s accomplishments as an author, I knew I had to share this with you.

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Sometimes the most meaningful connections begin with the simplest words.

When nine-year-old Julia Arabelle Barton’s grandfather (“Pops”) told her that writing a story was easy—all she had to do was start with “Once upon a time” and end with “and they lived happily ever after”—he wasn’t offering a formal lesson in storytelling. He was offering something much more powerful: encouragement.

She took him at his word, and the results were amazing!

Julia’s story became Abby and the Pack, a sweet tale about a girl and her sheepdog who ran off into the woods. In her search for him, Abby finds three other dogs who need love and a home. Along the way, she made friends with a squirrel, a fox, and a bear. It’s a story filled with kindness, loyalty, and the joy of caring for others—values that clearly run in her family. Her proud grandfather had the story printed through Shutterfly, turning a young girl’s imagination into a keepsake book.

Encouragement can transform

Encouragement, when spoken at the right moment, can change the way we see ourselves. It can turn hesitation into confidence, fear into creativity, and a passing thought into a published story. Julia’s grandfather didn’t just teach her how to begin a tale; he helped her believe she could write one.

Words of encouragement are a form of connection—heartspoken messages that tell others, “I see you. I believe in you.” They cost nothing but can mean everything. A teacher’s note, a friend’s kind comment, a parent’s proud smile—all can become the moment someone decides to take a chance, start a project, or share their gift with the world.

It makes me wonder how many stories, songs, and inventions have been born because someone spoke a few encouraging words at just the right time.

Heartspoken takeaway:

Encouragement is one of the simplest yet most profound ways to connect. It doesn’t have to be elaborate or planned. Sometimes all it takes is a gentle nudge—like “Once upon a time”—to help someone discover what’s already inside them.

Stories like this remind us how connection begins—with listening, believing, and a few kind words.

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