For me, life was different. I had a mom who didn't really read bedtime stories. She'd read a few books here and there, but they were always the same ones. It wasn't until years later that I finally understood why my mom didn't really read to me. She came from a much worse life. Her mom was a single mom and never made enough money to support the family. It lead to my mom dropping out of school in eighth grade. My mom was just embarrassed that she'd mess up while reading in front of us.
As the years passed, I became a stronger reader. Reading, then English, quickly became my favorite subjects. I'll always remember watching my mom read. It took her a long time to finish a book, but she always kept at it. I respect her for that, and it drove me to read more and more.
Do I wish that my mom would have read more with me? Yes. Would I trade my childhood away for one with a mother who could have read to me? Absolutely not. I've learned from my mother. Because of her, and her determination, I became a bibliophile. If she could sit there and read the Harry Potter books on a seventh grade education, I knew I could with a college degree.
I know my mom probably wishes that she could have read more with me and my siblings, but now I get to help her with things. I've recommended a few books to her, and even though it takes her a while to read them, she tries. I often stumble into her room before bed to wish her goodnight and see her reading.
To me, reading is definitely important during childhood. Because of my mom, I became a stronger reader. I thirsted for books, and I'll forever be grateful to her for teaching me that I was lucky.
My Favorite Childhood Books:
- A Light in the Attic
- The Polar Express
- Green Eggs and Ham
- Where the Sidewalk Ends
- The Giving Tree
- A Little Princess
I love this story, Erin! I had the opposite experience with my mom growing up, but it's awesome that our different backgrounds led to the same love of reading. I'm glad to hear your mom keeps at it, too!
ReplyDeleteThank you! :)
DeleteI'm glad she tries too. Right now, she's reading If I Stay. She's been tearing away at it a few pieces at a time, but I'm so proud of her for reading, even though I know she struggles. She also really likes non-fiction, which I know challenges her, but she's a trooper.
Great post :) When I was younger I loved the book A Little Princess as well. I didn't know it was Young Readers day, but I would love to say how much I admire your mother for persisting on her reading and keeping going with it. That is quite a feat :) As well as that, I am glad you enjoy reading and will continue to do so. My mum was a readers as is all three of my sisters, so we pretty much all love reading, and were read to as children. I've always loved it, always been reading some book or the other. I might still classify as a young reader, being fifteen and all :D
ReplyDeleteThank you, Olivia!
DeleteI give my mom credit. I know she struggles when she reads, but it takes a lot of guts to sit there and prove to the world that you're stronger than your education.
I'm glad your mom read to all of you as kids. I'll definitely be doing that if I ever have kids.