A Gift of Books

When I was 7 years old. I got sick with 'pink eye'. Most everyone knows that pink eye is highly contagious, so if a child comes down with it, they are quarantined from school until it clears up.

Times were tough for my family back then. My parents couldn't afford to take me to a doctor. They couldn't afford to miss work to stay home with me either. So I stayed home alone from school for a week.

On the first day, I remember feeling hungry, but not knowing how to cook, it never occurred to me to go to the kitchen to prepare something to eat. With one eye swollen almost shut, I couldnt see very well anyway. I pulled the covers over my head and slept all day.

The second day, our next door neighbor came to check on me. I think my parents had asked her to check on me periodically while I was alone, but I only remember her showing up that once. She stayed outside on the doorstep. I think she was afraid of catching my illness. She was a retired school teacher, and as a get-well gift, she brought me a cardboard box full of books.

I remember her saying, "These might be a bit above your reading level for a 7-year-old, but you seem like such a smart girl. I'm sure you'll still enjoy them."

"Thank you." I mumbled, as she handed me the box.

What that lady didn't realize was that her small act of kindness would influence the rest of my life. It was during that week that my great love for books was born.

Most of the books were old school textbooks. They were certainly above my grade level, but I was always a good reader, so I devoured them anyway. There were astronomy and science books, geology, and biology. I read about everything from planets to volcanos. I learned what it is that makes paper airplanes fly, and why cats can see better in the dark than humans can. In short, I became a bookworm (and an information nerd! Lol).

The rest of that week didn't seem so lonely anymore. I was so engrossed in those books that I barely noticed my parents and brothers missing. Before long, I was completely well, and returned to school the next Monday, a changed child.

I've no idea what my reason is for sharing this. I guess it's because my own daughter will officially be 7 years old tomorrow. I always find myself comparing my kids' life with mine at their age. It's astounding how different things are these days.

Excuse me while I go find Adreine and ask her if she would like to read a book with me...

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