ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON-
STEPFATHER AND GUARDIAN OF THE SPIRIT FOR CHILDREN EVERYWHERE

RLS had a connection with children that was profound and certainly has through his writings continued to influence the lives of children for well over a century. Though the eminent author did not have offspring of his own Robert Louis Stevenson had Godchildren, and was a mentor to many others (even the child-princess and last heiress-apparent of Hawaii, Princess Ka'iulani), and, with Belle and Lloyd, the children of his devoted wife, Fanny he held a deep and abiding parental bond of guardianship and love.

What a wonderful stepfather he must have been.. imagine him sitting with Lloyd on a bitterly cold evening, alongside them Thomas Stevenson (RLS's father the renowned lighthouse engineer). To amuse his stepson and himself on that dreary night RLS drew a treasure map...and afterwards, to appease the boy who had been ever pleading with him to write something that wasn't boring. Stevenson began the writing of Treasure Island (to accompany the map).

As time went by Lloyd and Stevenson created art and writings together, and Belle's was a great light the author shared his ideas with, whose photographs taken of the Stevenson's adventures and voyages became works of art in their own right...all these fruits of the heart, eye and imagination were encouraged and flourished in the company of the innately wise free-spirited man and natural parent in the deepest sense who sought to reach others in wonder and vibrant exchange. RLS had in his way of being true to his spirit set an example for all seekers of truth to play with the universal clay that surrounds us all. He continues to be the guardian of childhood..May his spirit live forever.

-Rita Leonard, 2005

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