Dementia for 2

I cannot remember when I was not able to read. I cannot imagine life without books. The perfect date for me is Barnes and Noble with a Starbucks. I could spend hours and mucho dinero on books. I usually read 3-4 at a time depending on the topic.

Personally, I think every child/adult should have a desire to read. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Reading just isn't exciting enough for most. There is no physical action, no loud noises to stimulate, no commercials.

But the way the mind works when you are reading! Your imagination can make even the best movie seem like a B movie. You get caught up in the plot and lose yourself in the words. For me, there is no comparison.

I find it very heartbreaking that so many are illiterate in this country. We are one of the if not the most advanced nation in the world and our schools are graduating children that cannot fill out a basic job application.

I would encourage you today to build a new memory with your child. Start a new tradition by reading together. Some of my fondest memories as a young girl are of reading with my mother. I can still see us trading novels and reading the paper together. Whenever we are able, we still read the paper together. This can lead to a whole new level of understanding between you and your child.

If you do not have children, then maybe you could volunteer to read to children at your local school or library. Better yet, teach a person to read! Think of the gift you are giving them. To be able to read your own name on paper. To read a love letter written to you.

I hope that sometime today, you all sit down with a good book and share the experience with someone that can carry on the tradition.