Returning to My Roots

“There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: One is roots, the other is wings.”
-Hodding Carter

As of late, I have sensed an "inner pull," if you will, to return to my roots. I must admit, this "pull" was launched after reading a marvelous, yet heart-wrenching, book by the late Randy Pausch entitled, "The Last Lecture." If you haven't read it, you need to. Me? I plan to read it at least once a year. Yes, it was that good. He touches on topics from parenting to persistence and hard work to living out your childhood dreams - topics we can all benefit from. Read it today...this book is well worth your time (end of commercial). :)

I was going to write my review of this book on my Goodreads page, but decided to post it on my blog instead. Personally, I discovered so many parallels...on many different levels. Naturally, I won't divulge all of my deep, interpersonal reflections to the entire blogging world (sorry, cyberstalkers!), but will share how this book has helped me to reflect on my own childhood and how I was raised. But, more than that, it helped me to reflect upon the legacy I will leave for my children.

One simple, but vital thing I want to leave with my children is the importance of visiting a local library. Simple? Yes. A lost pastime? It's heading in that direction. And if I don't pass this on to them no one will. Although, I know my parents would take them if they lived closer (*sigh*). Reading books, magazines or newspapers or visiting the library, a place where all these items can be found, are quickly being replaced by electronic reading devices, such as Amazon's Kindle or Sony's Reader. With that said, I guess you know where I stand with this new technological advancement.

When I was a wee tot, our family made countless trips to the library. And, since my parents were constantly in favor of outdoor activities, something I didn't seem to inherit, we often traveled by way of "bicyclette." However, I did inherit one thing - a love for reading. I spent a lot of time reading, everything from Judy Blume's "Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing" to L. M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" to Ann M. Martin's "The Baby-sitter's Club." I was hooked on books from the very start!

I remember constantly reading in the car as we traveled three hours to our cottage and back home again once vacation had ended. Whenever my parents would drag me out on one of their "fabulous" fishing expeditions, I would sit up on the bow of the boat with a book in-hand. When I was "on holiday" from school, I would sleep in late and stay in bed and read. Book after book after book. Addicted? Yes. Still addicted? Yes, although my current lifestyle of being a wife, mother, homeowner, etc. does not permit me to stay in bed and read all day long (where did those days go??).

So, now it is my turn to introduce something of value and purpose to my children. Even more than when I was a child, their world is continuously flooded by some gotta-get-it-while-it's-hot gadget or some "latest and greatest" technology. And so, simple things like reading a good book or visiting a local library have taken a backseat to more visually-enticing pastimes, like playing Wii. It is my job as their mother to make sure their lives are well-rounded and prevent their brains from rotting at a very young age (thanks, Mom!). It is my job to take from my life experiences, the good and the bad, and guide them along on the "straight and narrow." And, it is my job to pull from my roots and show them there is a bit more to life than pressing a button and tuning the world out. And, since my oldest has always shown a great love for books, I decided a trip to the library was in order.

My first time taking Mia to the library was quite an experience - almost like having déjà vu. We went up to the counter and she put all the books I had checked out previously in their proper "return slot" and then off we went to the children's section. While I watching her return the books, I was immediately whisked back to my own childhood and I felt like I was looking down at myself. Ever have moments like that? Now that I have kids, I do all of the time!

My daughter is very vocal, so I had to constantly reminder her that she had to whisper when she wanted to tell me something and that yelling, "Where's the kids' section, Mom?" was not the proper thing to do in a library! Although, I could sense her excitement because I, too, wanted to yell in the library. It is such a wonderful place, filled with the smell of old books and shelves upon shelves of "knowledge" at your fingertips. I could sit there all day and be completely content.

Mia is allowed to check out three books at a time, so her first three were, "The Pokey Little Puppy," "Snow Is My Favourite and My Best" and "The Tales of Peter Rabit." She chose those three books on her own and was very proud of her selection, as was I. When we went up to the counter to check them out she said to me, "Mom, where's my money for my books?" So, I explained to her that the library is not like "Yarns & Nibbles" (Barnes & Nobles) where you can only buy books with money. As I handed her my library card, I told her she had to "pay" for her books with a library card. She gave the lady my card and told her very loudly, "Hi, I'm Mia. Here's my card. I love to read!" Ignoring the obvious "sniggers" I heard from fellow readers, I was truly beaming because I was so proud of her for sharing her heart about her love for books with the librarian.

So, I did it! I have imparted something of purpose and value, that was passed down to me, to my child. And I will continue to impart as we plan to make this new venture a weekly pastime. When my son is old enough, I will take him, too. May these simple trips to the library to check out books to read not die out with their generation! If it does, that will be a sad, sad day in our world.

Returning "The Tales of Peter Rabbit"

She was so excited to check out new books!

Reading is a vacation for the mind!

Good question! Where does pepper come from?

Playing checkers with Gram. :)

Shh! I'm reading!!