Full Circle

As we close out this month-long celebration of Reading, I thought I would share an incident that just took place on a recent visit to my daughter's home.

But, first let me give you a quick history of reading in my family. As far back as I can go...a few generations...the women in our family have been literate. My great grandmother read to my grandmother, who read to my mother, who read to me. I, in turn, read to my daughters and they have followed suit reading to their daughters. It is a pasttime that we all delight in.

So, it came as no surprise when my daughters became mothers to see bookshelves filled with children's books in their homes.

This past weekend I visited with the girls. On three separate occasions, each of my three granddaughters climbed into my lap with a book to read. In the middle of reading to my oldest granddaughter, I realized that this gift had come full circle. In my mind's eye, I could see the generations holding children on their laps reading. It was much like looking into a mirror that is mirrored; it goes on for infinity.

One of the greatest gifts you can give a child, is to read to them. Many schools have volunteer programs in which adults sign up to be readers. I encourage anyone who has the time to volunteer to join in this wonderful program.

I'll end this celebration with a few favorite quotes: "A good book has no ending." ~R.D. Cumming

"I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves." ~Anna Quindlen, "Enough Bookshelves," New York Times, 7 August 1991

"Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers." ~Charles W. Eliot