Treatment Abuse, Behavior Modification, Thought Reform > The Seed Discussion Forum
Art Barker & the Beginning of the SEED
Anonymous:
This is all so interesting! I can remember in 1974, my mother picked me up from school and said we were going shopping. Next thing I knew I was on State Road 84 and The Seed. The only thing I knew about the seed was that the people from school who went there came back acting very strangely. It seemed the people that were there at the time were non voluntary juveniles like myself or court ordered cases. Shelly and Art were there at the time along with his daughter Suzie Barker. We ate three meals a day which consisted of pb and jelly and the eve meal was bologna and cheese. We went from 10 to 10 and there was even a song which stated that. I can still remember alot of the staff and the "seedlings" as we were referred to. I did not complete the program but did stay active for about
2 years. thanks for the memories.
Anonymous:
About 3 years ago I ran into a Seed kid that was still very active in the group. He told me that the Seed was having a reunion, a couple days later I called the Seed and spoke with staff and basically invited myself to the reunion. When I got to the reunion I felt very nervous and strange because I did not leave the Seed on the best of terms. As I walked into the hotel I was made to feel very welcomed and loved saw a bunch of the staff and people that stayed for years after they graduated. People were very happy to see me and I felt almost euphoric. As I was sitting at the table talking to one of my old roommates I felt someone's hand on my shoulder as I turned around I found myself looking at Shelly. She had a big welcoming smile on her face and said, "You're not going to leave tonight without saying hello to Art". I stood up and nervously walked over with her. I will never forget Art's smile as he saw me. I had left the Seed 10 years earlier I thought there was no way he would have remembered me. He stood up and gave me a big hug and kiss on the cheek. We talked for a little while nothing important just two old friends happy to see each other. It's funny how time and age changed my perceptive. I used to fear him almost to the point of resentment and now I felt nothing but compassion and heart felt love. When you got to know him I mean really know him you felt his compassion and love for his people and this was genuine. This was to be the last Seed reunion and I felt very lucky to be part of it. After this I kept in touch with him. Every once in awhile I'll call him to say hello make sure he's okay he has helped me with decisions and problems I have had in my life never once asking for anything in return. I never looked at him as perfect but I had never met a man who tried as hard as he did to lead by example.
rjfro22:
Thanks for sharing your story about the reunion, I have nothing but love in my heart for Art and Shelly and staff members. May they live long healthy lives.
TRUCKER:
One day I hope to get the same chance to say "Thank You", to all the ones who believed in me when I didnt. Some of you who read this know what I truly feel and know what I am talking about.
TRUCKER
Anonymous:
Trucker-I know I probably know you- can you give your initials or something as a hint?/TK
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