The reward for completion is that her little eight year old fingers get to erase the completed chore off our dry erase To Do list.
Laundry. Check. Make beds. Check. Grocery shopping. Check. We have gotten to the point in our summer day where the next item to be completed is reading.
She reads the coming “chore” as…just that…a chore. But she curls up on the sofa pillow with a throw to one of both of our favorite books, Trumpet of the Swan. It is the first time SHE is reading the book to herself, but it has already been read to her two times. (I adore books that are so good that they must be read more than once. In the words of CS Lewis, “I can’t imagine a man really enjoying a book and only reading it once.”
I hear a deep roll of thunder in the distance promising relief from the drought. The moment could not be any more perfect. It is that time when all is at peace and my heart is happy.
Madison looks up from her book giggling. When she gets excited, she gives two really deep breaths and then continues with something she is eager to share. Her chore has become a love and now she can’t put the book down.
I am quite a long distance from being what I want to be as a mother. Sadly, it is not hard to find fault with my accomplishments. However, I swell with pride and thanksgiving that I have passed on a love of books to my daughter.
READ. Learn. It is one of the greatest accomplishments this life has to offer. And once you have become an accomplished reader, pass it on.
Beautiful Life with Cancer 
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
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I remember reading that in C S Lewis (such a fount of wisdom), though I can’t immediately place the source. Ironically and shamefully, I may well have only read it once… :s
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Now that is what I call humor! A literary joke! I am confessing that I just heard the quote and then confirmed it on a cs lewis website. As you know, I am soaking up and reading lewis as quickly as I can!
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Being a mother is a growing process for both mother and child. You’re doing a great job!
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Growing process for sure! …thank you!
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When I was finishing 1st grade at my elementary school, my teacher (Mrs. Sloan) walked up and down the aisles, between the desks, with a wrapped present in her hand. Finally, she stopped in front of my desk and laid the package down on it. I opened it. It was a book about birds, and inside she had written, “Dear Karen, I hope that you shall always love to read.” My desire to read was already evident by the age of 6. She was right. Until the disease started destroying nerves in my brain, I was an avid reader. I could read a regular book in about two days.
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What a sweet story! Love it!
Do you like audio books? I still love to cuddle up with a blanket and book in hand, but I have a new love for audio books.
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Aw, that was one of my favorite books too! I am also falling short as a mom, but I have passed my love of reading on. We are kindred spirits in that way too. Thank you for the smile and sense of solidarity today.
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Hugs to a fellow mom!
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So true! I also had the joy of passing on a love for reading to my kids. I am watching my grandchildren pick up that joy too. It is very good. 🙂
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Double joy!
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Me too Caroline! I just love reading. Remember as a child, using g the light from the lamp post outside my bedroom window so that I could read well into the night!! Might be the reason I ended up wearing specs too!! Love the way you describe the relationship with your daughter. Bless your heart.
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Oh! Madison is like you! I love to read, but I will find madison in the late hours, when I thought she was asleep, with a book and flashlight!
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