Reading

As a child I struggled to read. I know I must have read some as a young child, but I can’t remember any books that I read myself. My sister read to me Sylvester and The Magic Stone when she was in the second grade and I thought it was just magic.  I thought she was so smart. I remember thinking she was so good because she understood all the symbols on the page. I thought the letters were special numbers that had meaning.

I read my first book when I was in the 5^th grade. I remember the panic feeling of knowing I had to read a book and I could hardly read directions on a test. It was my fear of failure that made me cognizant of the importance of reading. That was the year things change for me.  The world opened up to me and I was amazed that books to take me away without ever leaving the house.

It was so important to me that my children learn to read and not suffer the feeling of embarrassment when called on in class to read. I remember that I missed much because I was too busy counting down to the paragraph that would be mine to read. No wonder they thought I couldn't comprehend. I wasn't paying attention.  I never wanted my children to feel this way. My children grew up reading and loving it.

Now that I have grandchildren, I read to them every chance I get. My daughters read to their children everyday.  I am so proud of both the girls for promoting good reading habits. This last week my oldest grandson brought tears. My daughter called and said, “Mom you will not believe what Wyatt did today. He asked if we could stop at the library on the way home I need to get a book. He went in and I expected him to ask me for help, but he didn't.  He walked up to the librarian and asked for a certain book and he knew the author.  Mom, I am so proud of him. He is really growing up fast.”   We both talked about how proud we were of him and how he is becoming more responsible and making good choices.

I think it is a proud moment for any parent when your child learns to truly love reading.  I just hope he has the same passion for writing.  I will be writing him letter and mailing them to help encourage writing and the purpose. I am love being a grandparent and I am looking forward to communicating with all my grandchildren through writing.