The other day I was listening to my favorite radio station. They had a section on that was the most outstanding thing about your Mom. People , phoned or emailed in.
So I thought what would I say was the best of my Mom. I couldn't think of anything. First, I was a little embarrassed and then quite ashamed that I couldn't come up with something.
I let it go.
But that got me thinking about few things about Mom. Mom died in 1973 at age 59. I'm not using that as an excuse for not being able to come up with what I think is the most important thing Mom gave us. It got me thinking about a post about Mom .
And then while thinking about a post it hit me. Why did it take so long to think about it.
Mom read to us almost every night. She had a wide variety. Sometimes it was the Bible. Others a series called the Sugar Creek Gang. And then some childrens' stories.
She had a number of good settings. Sometimes it was around the kitchen table. Other times on the couch in the living room . Sometimes on the floor. And the one I liked best was when the four of us got ready for bed and we all went into the big bed under the covers. Usually somebody went to sleep.
She could use her voice to emphasize the mood.
Three of us became great readers. We have been readers all our lives.
I read to my kids. they are much better readers than I am.
Wonderful legacy your mom left you and your siblings. I think reading to your children is one of the most loving acts.
ReplyDeleteReading to children is such a good habit - it sets enjoyment of reading (or listening) for life.
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about the Sugar Creek Gang. They weren’t a fav of mine, but I did read a few.
ReplyDeleteYour mother gave you something very special Keith. The repeated intimacy of reading sessions before bedtime, the bond with your brothers and the joy that your mother clearly found in reading. Yes. These things were very special and maybe it is the core reason why you became a teacher.
ReplyDeleteI would have a hard time writing about one good thing about my mom because at least to me, she was just good at almost everything. I suspect many others feel the same things about their mom. I could write about something she was not good at, grilling meat, only because it was a rarity that she wasn't the best at something, at least in my eyes.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post about your Mom, Red. You sure were lucky to have her and it's nice to hear that she encouraged readers in your family. A really sweet story.
ReplyDeleteThis is lovely.
ReplyDeleteThose are great memories. My mother didn’t red to us but she made up wonderful stories for us to listen to in bed, about princesses and fairies and castles.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful that your Mother read to you! My Mother thought reading was a waste of time and she would holler at us to find something better to do. We could read the bible and school work that was it. Of course I was like my Dad and learned to hide my books, he hid his under the seat of the car and in his coat pockets. Later in life he would come to my house to read by himself I would get him coffee and cookies and he would sit in the recliner for hours. I was happy to give him that quality reading time.
ReplyDeleteI can't remember my mom reading to me... although I'm an avid reader myself. Mom was a great mom, but what I remember the best is how she always looked so good... always dressed well and put on her make-up as soon as she got up (well into her 90's). This unfortunately she didn't pass on to me ... I'm happy in jeans and no make-up (unless it's a special event).
ReplyDeleteThat is a valuable gift to give to a kid!
ReplyDeleteThat's the best way to foster a reading habit in kids -- by reading to them. Your mom knew what she was doing!
ReplyDeleteI like that you remember her reading to you. I bet she also fed you and clothed you and tried to keep you safe, and always loved you.
ReplyDeleteI think reading to your child is one of the best things you can do.
ReplyDeleteTake care, enjoy your day and the new week ahead.
That's a sweet memory to have!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful memory to have all these years.
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