Bennett's grandmother, Laurene, called me one day and told me the news. Of course she felt helpless and yet came up with a way to encourage her grandson to believe in his own superpowers and to fight with everything he has!
Bennett’s superheros are Spiderman, Batman & Transformers, and were very important to him. Laurene knew that if she could make Bennett believe that he also has super powers, he would have a fighting chance against this disease! That was Laurene’s goal when she created a magic blanket for Bennett. Photos of Bennett’s favorite superheros and the words “Bennett is a Superhero” were printed on a cozy fleece blanket that he could take to all of his treatments. We even had to print a larger one as he grew out of the first. Bennett went through alot, and it wasn't easy, but I am so excited to share that Bennett is doing well!
Maybe the idea of a blanket seems too small, and the belief in super powers a little make believe, but at the end of the day, hope is powerful. Believing is powerful! It is this power that we want our loved ones to believe with all their might. We want them to fight, and fight hard.
A blanket may not be what you have in mind, but you can also use the same concept in other ways; for example include these power words (Believe, Strength, Courage & Love) in a get well card or frame. Another idea would be to grab some fabric paint and a teddy bear, and write the child’s name on one of its paws and the power words on the other.
To me, the reason these blankets are so magical, is the feeling it gives to both the gifter, and the child. The blankets are a warm hug, hope and inspiration, all in one!
Because of Bennett, we created a few different blankets named Bennett Magic Blankets after Bennett. A variety of different blankets have been created for children needing comfort and hope, and can be purchased through our shop. Bennett Magic Blanket, Supergirl blanket, superhero, believe that he also has super powers Bennett Magic Blanket – Supergirl. With copyright laws, Say it With Words is unable to utilize the real superheros (unless it is a gift as was the case with Bennett’s Magic Blanket).
Each blanket includes 4 “power words” – Believe, Love, Courage & Strength. The Bennett Magic Blankets are personalized and include the child’s name printed the centre of the blanket and in the case of superhero blankets, their initials are added to each superhero.
These blankets wrap the child in a warm hug, and give them something from home that they can hold onto. We utilize a process called sublimation which combines special ink, paper, polyester and heat so the words / photographs do not have a “feel” to them. They become part of the fabric and do not fade, peel or crack.
I am so grateful for Laurene’s imagination and creativity, and Bennett's belief in his superpowers!
Deborah MacDougall