Brian was 64 years old at the time of the publication of Willy The Weed.  Brian is an accomplished pilot, husband, mechanic, builder and most importantly a father of two children. It was in the last role this story was conceived. His two children, Heath Austin and Raven Anne are his greatest loves. His son Heath struggled with a desire for self-harm from a young age. Working with a child who talks about taking their own life is a scary and frustrating endeavor. The life of Willy is a wish giving birth to a story. Willy learns his worth, develops a sense of purpose, and grows strong in a community he loves and supports. Tragically Heath’s story did not turn out that way.  Heath took his own life at the age of 17. Heath was always loved by all he met. He will be missed, but in many ways, Willy’s story is the better story to tell. Brian’s family will mourn Heath forever, but we must tell Willy’s story without this context to give other children a constructive tale about a purpose-built life.

What is a weed? Something that grows where is not wanted. All living matter has a purpose and is therefore, wonderful and necessary. The lifecycle of Bluebonnets is unique. After germination they enter a rosette stage that looks like a flat, fuzzy plate. Not very attractive if a flower is what you want. The leaves hug the ground and struggle through the winter, storing energy and producing ribosomes to enhance the soil and build a deep taproot. In the Spring, the plant “bolts” (shoots a tall stem upward).

In our story, Willy sees the other, seemingly more beautiful and beloved plants around him and comes to the conclusion he is not worthy. With the help of a wiser, more mature plant, Willy is encouraged to stick around, grow and wait for his own development. When Willy discovers he is actually a young flower, he grows to become Bill, the Bluebonnet. If we are to grow ourselves, we must envision a garden full of both symbiosis and self-reliance. We must respect the struggles of all people, and help where we are able. Please read this book to your children and try to live the life of the plant which nurtured Willy so he could grow to help us all.