ABCs and 123s

Yesterday was my regular day to babysit my 3 year old grandson. While we did not have the best of mornings, we did one thing that soothes my heart and soul. We read books. Okay, I read books to him while he sat on my lap and listened, but we had books in hand.

When I was growing up, I always had my nose in a book. I vividly remember my grandmother having a problem with that and my father arguing with her about it. My grandmother did not believe reading was good for a person and the only book she had on her table was the Bible. I don't know why she was so against reading, but thank goodness my father wasn't. When my children were young, my mother-in-law had similar issues. She complained that they read too much. Thank goodness my husband nixed that they read too much. In our house, books and magazines lined tables, shelves and even the floor. Oh, they had other toys and electronics and even sports stuff to play with, but books were important in our home.

Today, I look at my grandson, playing with his letters, asking me to read him this book (even though I just read the same one at least a half dozen times) and I gratefully indulge him. His parents put importance in books and learning and I know he will grow up enjoying the written word.

And that is what is truly important. Foster the love of books at a young age will keep children reading and learning and allow minds to be opened and accepting of new and different things. And that is what life is all about.

Today is the birthday of Alan Paton

Today's thought: "You're a writer. And that's something better than being a millionaire. Because it's something holy." - Harlan Ellison

Today's teaser: Your character has been kidnapped and is being held in a small room. Describe how s/he gets out using any of the following items found in the room: plastic comb, stone, rusty nail, bottle cap