At first it looks like an ordinary tree.
But upon closer inspection, it looks like a tiny home—a home tiny enough for a gnome.
Mysteriously, gnome homes began popping up all over Overland Park, KS. Converted trees created what became known as “Firefly Forest.” Firefly Forest gained local attention and was even featured on the news.
The small and magical community was built without rhyme or reason. No one knew how or why these intricate creations were cropping up all over the park. What many in the community could agree on; however, was that they loved it.
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The documentary follows a Kelly, her husband, and their daughter. Kelly is a mother who tragically lost her 3-year old child named Allie.
Kelly and her family sought solace in the magical village. It provided them with a quiet and comforting place to spend time, and it brought some magic into their lives.
One of the gnome houses featured a place where passersby could leave notes. Kelly decided to leave a note about her deceased daughter Allie.
She wrote, ““In memory of Allie Fisher,” and placed it on the tree.
A woman named Robyn and her two sons were behind the mysterious creation of these whimsical homes that brought joy to so many people’s lives. They had also experienced loss. The family had moved several times and Robyn was splitting with her husband.
Robyn was moved by the note that Kelly left. While reading all the notes that she received, she paused on Kelly’s. Robyn decided to do what she does best—she made a door.
Late one night she installed the house in dedication of Allie.
Kelly found the dedication to her daughter and was incredibly touched by the amazing act of compassion. Not only did she have a beautiful place to visit where she could deal with her loss, but she felt seen by another person who recognized her loss and built something from it.
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Unfortunately for the town, Robyn and her family had to relocate to Utah. The city, which had concerns about Firefly Forest, made the family take all of the doors down.
But they decided to leave the dedication to Allie intact.
Beautifully, through art, the two moms were able to provide support for one another in their time of pain and loss. Robyn was able to bring joy to her community, and especially to Kelly, who needed it the most.
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