The Legacy of Reading

I feel old.

No, it's not because I celebrate one of those milestone birthdays next week. Well, maybe a little...

I substituted most of the summer in the library were I worked as a children's librarian for twenty years. After ten years it was a joy to be back in familiar surroundings with memories in every nook and cranny.

But I didn't expect the reaction of so many library patrons. At least once a day a parent approached the children's desk with one or more children in tow. They'd look at me and say, "You're back! You probably don't remember me but I came to your storytime when I was a child. Do you still have Lucy (storytime puppet)? This is my daughter. I bring her to the library every week. I want her to enjoy reading like I do."

Excitement simmered beneath my feeling about aging and the swiftness of passing years. This was why I became a children's librarian: to see a love of reading passed from one generation to another. These parents are giving their children a gift that will last a lifetime. When children are read to at a young age, they become lifelong readers and experience greater success at school.

I've enjoyed seeing the legacy of reading passed down in my own family. My niece and nephew didn't stand a chance--both their mother and aunt are librarians. They used to joke about their aunt who always gave books to them for Christmas and birthdays. However, I have a treasured photo of my nephew reading to his two-week-old son. My niece is imparting a love of reading and books to her preschool students.

We pass on many treasures to the children in our lives. What are you doing today to pass on the legacy of reading?

My Dad, My Cheerleader

It was one of the most difficult years of my life. Because of health issues I took a one-year leave of absence from work and moved home to stay with my parents. Bedridden much of the time, I had no assurance that I would be able to return to work at the end of the year.

My dad made me his "project" for the year. I'd received a "Notable Employee" Award shortly before my leave. My dad nailed the award plaque to the wall at eye-level from my bed--to remind me of my goal to return to work and my independent life. Both of us celebrated when I finally walked to the end of the street and back. He and my mom fixed special foods to tempt my non-existent appetite. On the toughest, darkest days and nights, Dad sang his "Shipmates" song to me. Twenty years later, I still hear him singing the "don't give up the ship" line during difficult times.

Thanks in large part to my dad's dedication and cheerleading efforts, I returned to my life in Washington. I'll always be grateful for that year and the amazing gift my dad gave to me. Our relationship, always a strong one, grew even deeper. It was worth every bit of pain I endured.

My dad's cheerleading didn't stop there. He's supported me every step of the way in my writing journey. When The God of All Comfort released, Dad went to the local bookstore and purchased multiple copies to give to family and friends. He made sure the bookstore continued to carry his daughter's book. We talk on the phone once or twice a week. Dad always asks, "How are the books coming? How are the sales?" I'm amazed at how much he's learned about the publishing business!

This is the first Father's Day in awhile that I'm not with my dad. So, Dad, Happy Father's Day across the miles. I love you, I miss you, and I'm so thankful you are my dad.

(The photo was taken at the Tourmalaine Surfer Park Memorial, Pacific Beach in San Diego. My dad, who surfed into his early 80's, is one of the honorees on the plaque.)

"The Borrowed Book" Blog Interview

On Tuesday, April 13, I'm visiting "The Borrowed Book" to talk about living with chronic illness, writing, and The God of All Comfort.

Stop by to learn the title of my favorite novel, my biggest obstacles to writing, and a hint about a new direction for my next book project.

Tribute to Early Childhood Educators

On Saturday I taught a seminar and an afternoon workshop at the Association of Christian Schools International's Pacific Northwest Early Education Conference. I enjoyed interacting with these early childhood teachers before, during, and after my classes, getting a glimpse of their lives as busy preschool teachers.

Spending the day with these hardworking educators reminded me of the awesome responsibility that is thrust into their hands--nurturing and educating impressionable young children who are at the most critical time of their lives in terms of brain development. These educators must lay the foundation for success in school. All the while wiping runny noses, settling the squabbles of egocentric young children, and communicating with three-year-olds whose verbal skills are limited, at best.

In honor of these educators, I'd like to share this humorous, but probably all too true, list that was printed in our conference brochure. I don't know the author, but he or she must be a preschool teacher:

Top Ten Things You Never Want to Hear from a Parent:

10. Vincent just swallowed the house key. Let me know if you find it.

9. I just potty trained Isabella yesterday.

8. My daughter imitates you very well.

7. Anthony had Cap'n Crunch and waffles with lots of syrup for breakfast this morning.

6. Kayla can't part from her new ferret, so it's in her backpack.

5. My best friend's quadruplets are here from Alaska. Can I take them on the pumpkin patch field trip?

4. I gave Sophia a makeover this morning. Can you freshen up her lip gloss before school pictures are taken?

3. David's five-year-old cousin is already doing long division. When do you teach the four-year-olds to multiply?

2. My kid's famous! Did you see her on Supernanny last night?

1. Jordan's goldfish died this morning. Maybe you could explain that to him.

Thank you, early childhood educators! I hope I've brought a little humor into your hectic day.