Day Six- Read It!

If I am not writing my next book, I do enjoy reading a good book.   Reading has been a part of my household from way back in my youth.

My mother was a single mom, raising three kids, back in a time when it was a rare thing.  I was part of the first round of "latch-key kids".  So she didn't have time to read TO us necessarily, but she would always supply us with books and in her few moments of solitude before turning in every night, she could be seen reading in her bed by a dim night light.
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Reading was very important to me.  I grew up down the street from the library and if I couldn't be found up in some tree in the backyard, there was a good chance I was slouched in the corner of one of the book aisles reading.
This happy habit was passed on to my family.  When my children were little, I would read to them and when they got bigger we would all climb up in my bed and read together.  There wasn't a sound.  We were all quietly embroiled in our own stories, but gathered together in the same space.  Some of my favorite memories. 
In our adulthood, we all have stacks of books that are waiting patiently to be read.
I can't imagine the time when I won't be able to read.  It strikes such a sad chord in my soul.  

So today, as we are close to finishing up our Word week- I focus on reading.  This act of kindness costs nothing but time.  And I'm quite sure it will be appreciated and remembered long into the future. 
Read.  Read to someone.
Read to your children.  Read to your grandparents.  Read to a senior's book club.  Read to children in the hospital.  Read to seniors in a nursing home.  Read to patients in a recovery ward. Read to blind students.
In all honesty, I have only done this twice.  Once, I read to some senior citizens at a home.  I would read a chapter or two a week.  I know that it blessed me just as much as them.
The second time, I was my grandmother's caregiver as she waited to ... cross-over. Many hours were spent reading her favorite books of fiction.  She lay beside me silently as I read, but I have to believe the sound of a loving voice and words written for joy, had to have a calming impact. 

There are many opportunities to become a volunteer at hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and even those temporary "recovery" homes.  (Where people go for physical therapy and mental health before being released after a surgery or accident.) 
I realize it is a time commitment.  And I know this isn't a challenge everyone can accept.  But if you can... you won't regret it. 


Sidenote:  Just before I was going to hit the publish button on this post, a friend urged me to include one more thing on the topic of reading.  
It is an act of kindness to leave reviews, comments or send along a note to an author that had an impact on you.
As said author, I know from personal experience, your words of praise and invitations to other to read our work IS such an amazing thing.
And while it seems self serving- it kinda is, I guess... BUT I'm not the ONLY author out there.  I don't care who the author is, we all appreciate being appreciated.
Buy books.  Gift books. Review books. Read lots and lots of books. 

Have an amazing Day 6 Everyone! 

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