10-year-old’s space-themed tree reaches for the stars

Outside of his love of space, Liam enjoys nature, animals, LEGO and Pokémon.

For 10-year-old Liam Flood, the universe is full of possibilities. He’s fascinated by black holes, physics and the mysteries of space. In fact, he has plenty of questions about how it all works.

His curiosity was on full display during a family trip to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida last June. Liam, who was taking his first airplane trip, had the opportunity to enjoy a special lunch with an astronaut.

When it was his turn to ask a question, Liam didn’t hesitate. He wanted to know about Hawking radiation, a concept related to black holes.

The astronaut explained that some of the concepts Liam was asking about remain hypothetical.

But Liam had a response ready: “My mom says hypothetical just means we have more studying to do.”

His mother, Laura, couldn’t have been prouder.

“Here was my 9-year-old son, sitting across from someone who had actually traveled into space, confidently discussing the mysteries of the universe,” she said.

For Laura, that moment captured something special about Liam. He doesn’t see unanswered questions as limitations. He sees them as opportunities to keep learning.

Now, Liam’s love of space is inspiring a very special creation for Akron Children’s annual Holiday Tree Festival.

His family’s tree, appropriately named “Reach for the Stars,” celebrates Liam’s imagination, his love of science and the possibilities ahead.

This past June, Liam and his family visited the Kennedy Space Center.

A mind full of curiosity

“Liam is one of the most curious, funny and thoughtful children I know,” Laura said. “He’s autistic and has an incredible mind, especially when it comes to science, math and understanding how things work.

“He’s the kind of child who doesn’t just want to know what something is. He wants to understand why it happens, how it works and what else might be possible,” she added.

Laura said being Liam’s mom has changed the way she sees the world.

“He’s taught me to embrace curiosity and find extraordinary things in everyday life,” she said. “He challenges me to keep learning, ask better questions and never stop looking for possibilities. Being his mom is, without question, the greatest gift of my life.”

Liam’s love of all things space is what inspired his family’s Reach for the Stars themed tree at this year’s Holiday Tree Festival.

Along the way, Akron Children’s has been an important part of that journey. From Liam’s pediatric care, autism evaluation and diagnosis to developmental specialists and referrals for occupational therapy and speech therapy.

“Pursuing a diagnosis was never about putting a label on Liam,” Laura said. “It was about better understanding his needs and making sure he had access to the resources and opportunities that would help him thrive.”

For Laura, having a care team that recognizes both a child’s challenges and strengths makes a difference.

“His autism is part of who he is, but it doesn’t define the boundaries of what he can accomplish,” she said.

Liam’s mom said Akron Children’s has been an important part of Liam’s life. From his pediatric care, autism evaluation and diagnosis to developmental specialists and referrals for occupational and speech therapy, the hospital has helped his family connect with resources along the way.

A tree filled with possibilities

When a friend who had participated in the Holiday Tree Festival for several years suggested that Liam’s family get involved, the theme came easily.

After all, space is such a big part of Liam’s world that it felt like the perfect way to tell their family’s story.

The “Reach for the Stars” tree will combine traditional Christmas decorations with stars, planets, astronauts and other celestial details.

Some of the most meaningful decorations will be handmade. Liam is creating planets and helping make papier-mâché ornaments. His family wants his creations to look like what they are; the imaginative work of a child.

The Flood family’s “Reach for the Stars” tree will combine traditional Christmas decorations with stars, planets, astronauts and other celestial details. Some ornaments will be handmade by Liam.

“We want people to see his creativity, personality and excitement reflected in the tree,” Laura said.

Each element carries a special meaning. The stars represent hope and possibility. The planets represent curiosity and discovery. Rockets and astronauts celebrate the accomplishments that begin when someone dares to imagine something extraordinary.

Tree theme carries a message

“‘Reach for the Stars’ is about never allowing the world to place limits on what a child can become,” Laura said.

Liam has talked about becoming an astronaut, and his family isn’t putting limits on where those interests might lead.

“Our job isn’t to decide how far he can go. It’s to give him the love, encouragement and opportunities to discover that for himself,” Laura said.

“The sky isn’t the limit. It’s just the beginning,” she added.

Laura said being Liam’s mom is the greatest gift of her life.

Sharing a little wonder

Participating in the Holiday Tree Festival is also a way to give back to a hospital that has been part of their lives.

“I love the idea that something created with so much joy in our home can go on to bring happiness to another family,” Laura said.

She hopes visitors see more than a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. She hopes they see the beauty in a child’s imagination and remember the importance of nurturing what makes every child unique.

And perhaps a few young visitors will leave with some new questions about space.

After all, Liam knows that unanswered questions simply mean there’s more studying to do.