I don’t remember it, but I’m sure my mother read this book to me when around the time my brother Matthew was born. It may be the first book I owned.
I remember reading to her when I came home from school with the Dick and Jane books. She was patient and showed interest. At a young age, I was gifted with the knowledge that reading was a necessary and worthwhile activity.
From my dad’s standpoint, it was the comic section of the paper. I’ve always been an early riser, and when my dad got up at 6 a.m. to get ready for work, I was up as well, the comic section splayed out on the floor for me to read while he shaved and got dressed.
My parents made sure I had a library card as soon as I was eligible to have one, and also made sure I took responsibility for the books. To this day, I don’t know how anyone survives without a library card.
My mother is now 91-years-old and occasionally has the opportunity to read to the children at Chestnut Elementary School, where I attended 6th grade. I love when I see these photos of her interacting with children. It reminds me again that one of the greatest gifts she gave me was a love of reading.
Thanks, Helen! Although there was little money in my home, there were always books. My parents let me join Scholastics Book of theonth Club & my grandmother read to me as an infant. I have always had a love affair with reading & writing. Your blog helped tme to remember who to thank.
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