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Out West of Town
By Linda Craun, The Hennessey Clipper
No matter who you are or what your occupation, reading is one of the most important factors in your life. If you can read and comprehend what you've read you can learn anything.
I had to smile as I visited with our library's children's librarian recently. She was so excited about their summer reading program she fairly quivered. Which is good, since enthusiasm and involvement are the main ingredients for interesting a child in reading.
My love of reading began at an early age thanks to a sister who was told to keep me occupied and out of trouble. By first grade I was hooked on words. I loved the way they painted pictures in my head.
While reading was fun, writing, the other part of using words, was much harder. My smudged and shaky-handed attempts to duplicate the fat-bodied letters in my penmanship book were pitiful, but I improved with practice.
The next step of my love of words came in the third grade when the teacher began reading "Black Beauty." I was enthralled. I couldn't wait for each day's installment. And I didn't. My reading career was sealed when I found a copy of the book at the school's library.
It was the start of a life-long love of books. Before the year ended I had eagerly devoured what the school librarian termed "books appropriate for my age." We parted company when she wouldn't let me check out "Swiss Family Robinson," claiming it was too advanced for my reading level.
The public librarian gave me a chance to prove my words when I insisted I could read the book within the designated check-out period. I not only returned it on time, I gave her a synopsis of the story. We became best buddies when she extended my weekly quota of books by letting me use my brother and sister's library cards.
Although I laughingly blame Big Sis for my compulsion to devour words ¬ I've even caught myself reading the label on the back of the cereal box my breakfast came out of when nothing else was available - I'm forever grateful that I can read. And not simply for the enjoyment and relaxation reading brings.
Words have power, whether written or oral. Words can paint a picture, set down laws or record our history. When you put them together right, they can say I Love You, offer God's blessings or administer a reprimand.
Words give us language. With language we can communicate and communication upholds civilization. Without words our society would wither and die. And without the ability to read we are crippled.
Through words you can explore the ocean's floor without moving a step. You can fly to the farthest galaxy and land on a star. You can write a sonnet and record your will.
Revolutions have been sparked by a single word, and peace negotiated with a score. Words or inspiration have been voiced from the bottom of the ocean and from as far away as the moon. We've even had communications from the rovers on Mars!
I've frequently called my need to read an addiction, but if it is, it's one I highly recommend. I can't fathom living without the ability to read. When you teach a child to read, you give them the ability to dream - as well as a tool to make those dreams come true.
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