Below him was the winding silver trail
Of water from the upland pasture springs,
And meadows where he heard the calling quail;
Before him was the sky, and passing wings.

The tang of willow twigs he lighted there,
Fragrance of meadows breathing slow and deep,
The cave’s own musky coolness on the air,
The scent of sunlight…all were his to keep.
We had such places—cave or tree or hill…
And we are lucky if we keep them still.

~ Glen W. Dresbach

This poem conjures up images reminiscent of the summer lake setting in Kevin Sullivan’s 1989 film, Looking for Miracles.  Sullivan actually based this film on the memoirs of actor Paul Newman’s business partner and next-door neighbour, A.E. Hotchner.  In his memoirs, Hotchner writes about his relationship with his younger brother while they were growing up in St. Louis, Missouri in the 1930’s. 

Sullivan then adapted the script and tells the story of a 16-year-old boy who lies his way into becoming a summer camp counselor in order to provide for his single mother and younger brother.  Out of compassion, the boy arranges to have his annoying younger brother – played by Zachary Bennett (Felix King in Road to Avonlea) – come along.  Ultimately, the experience brings the two closer together.

Fans of Sullivan Entertainment films will recognize the star of Looking for Miracles, Greg Spottiswood, who won an Emmy for his performance.  He has appeared in Anne of Green Gables: The Continuing Story as Fred Wright, and played a love interest of Felicity’s in the Road to Avonlea episode, “How Kissing Was Discovered”.  He also appeared as filmmaker Nathan Sparks in Wind at My Back’s “Grace of Hollywood” episode. 

To read more about the film click here!

Photo: Greg Spottiswood stars as Ryan Delaney in Kevin Sullivan's Looking for Miracles.