The beginning
High above the clouds and stars was a place where souls waited. They had no bodies or names—just light, love and feeling. Among them was one small, glowing soul. This was Bhodi.
The original family story
Bhodi: The Soul Who Chose Love
A bedtime story about love, choice and family, created by Grandad Chris for Bhodi and the people around him.
Family keepsake
The illustrated story
This is the original storybook artwork from the supplied Bhodi page. It is kept here in full as part of the project’s history and purpose.
Why it is part of the site
A personal starting point for a public project.
One For The Roadmap began with a dedication to Bhodi and the wider family. This story records that beginning; the rest of the site extends its themes into questions about family life, nature, belief, responsibility and community.
The story uses spiritual language imaginatively. It is a family bedtime story, not a factual claim or a required belief.
Accessible text version
The story, panel by panel
The transcript follows the content and order of the original illustration for assistive technology and small screens.
Looking down
Bhodi looked towards Earth. He saw families laughing, hands held, kindness, warmth and love. He wondered, “Where do I belong?”
Searching for love
He did not look for the biggest house or loudest voices. He looked for gentle hearts, kind smiles and a place where love was freely given.
The family he found
He saw Louise with Clay, and two older children—Joel, strong and steady, and Lauren, kind and warm. Bhodi’s light grew brighter.
What he felt
They laughed and cared for one another. Bhodi felt they would guide him, protect him and give him their time. Joel and Lauren would be his brother and sister.
A bigger circle
Bhodi also saw Grandad Chris, with wisdom and stories, and Uncle Shaun, with fun and laughter. The family formed a wider circle.
The choice
Bhodi was certain: “This is where I will go. This is where I will grow. This is where I will belong.”
The journey
From the clouds and through the stars, Bhodi began his journey to Earth. Far below, his family felt something beginning.
Arrival
Then he arrived—tiny and full of light—placed into loving arms and surrounded by family.
A name
They knew his name: Bhodi—a name associated in the story with kindness, understanding and love.
Growing together
Joel watched over him and Lauren held him close. They laughed, played and helped him learn.
His world
His world included Mum’s love, Dad’s strength, his brother’s guidance, his sister’s kindness, Grandad’s stories and Uncle’s laughter.
One year
One candle was lit and everyone gathered close. Joel smiled, Lauren clapped and laughed, and Bhodi beamed.
What he brought
The story says Bhodi brought love, peace, understanding and connection, drawing everyone closer.
Goodnight
Under the stars, Bhodi drifted to sleep, safe and loved, with his family around him. His story was only beginning.
Original dedication
To my beautiful grandson Bhodi,
You are a light in our lives and a gift beyond words.
Always remember how loved you are—today, tomorrow and forever.
Love always,
Grandad Chris
Created as a family keepsake bedtime story.