Tuesday, March 25, 2014

Heroes Needed: No Cape Required

The world is filled with heroes.

It's true. And if you're reading this, odds are you're one of them.
I'm not talking about the tights-wearing, cape-clad, witty banter kind of hero (although what you wear in the comfort of your own home, or while grocery shopping, or when feeding your goats, is entirely your business).
No, I'm talking about the kind of hero that takes the time to share a book with a child. I'm talking about the kind of hero that delights in watching the joyful smiles form on little faces when he or she shares the magic of  a story. You don't need tights, or a cape, or some super emblem on your chest...not when you sit down to share a story with a child. The book, your voice, your time and interest and genuine
commitment to your young audience makes you a hero in their eyes. A shared story, a favorite book, a bedside read...these moments wrap children up in love and affection. These are the moments that can put a smile on a child who has had a bad morning, or comfort a kid who is nervous about his first night without his nightlight. Reading a story to a sick child can help soothe their pain and comfort them in time of need.

Trust me, I know. First hand.

March 25th is always a difficult day for me, and for my family. Eleven years ago, on this day, my youngest brother, Jack, passed away. He was 7-years-old. Jack was born with cerebral palsy. And while he couldn't walk, or talk, he knew what was going on. Despite his handicaps, he was a very happy boy. Jack loved to hear me read to him. His favorite was Dr. Seuss's Fox in Socks. The faster I read it (and I can read it quite quickly), the more he'd laugh and smile. We read many books together, but that was our favorite. So on this day, eleven years ago, as he lay dying at home, comforted by his family and a slow morphine drip, I read to him. I read Fox in Socks and I can still see that smile on his face. Even through the medicine, even through the pain, I know that in that last hour my reading to him helped him when he must have been so scared. While it is not my intent to declare myself a hero, it IS my intent to demonstrate that we can help brighten a child's life just by reading a story to them.

But it does not have to be as heavy a moment. I read to all three of my boys each night. Arms laden
with books, I make the rounds. My 10-year-old and I are reading the Harry Potter books. To my youngest, it's a picture book, or some of the Chronicles of Narnia. I sit at the bedside of my middle-schooler and read him a couple of pages of the Percy Jackson books he's devouring. No, he doesn't need me to read them to him (he tears through the books), but he just likes the experience of hearing my voice; of sharing a few minutes with me. It's an important moment for all three of my boys. So, I guess, in a way, that makes me a part-time hero in their eyes. Maybe?

But you're heroes too, or you can be. Make sure you are taking the time to read to your children. If you don't have children, read to your nieces or nephews, or volunteer to read at your local library's story hour, or go to a children's hospital and read to the kids there.

You might be surprised how much of a difference you can make in a child's life just by reading them a story.

Share a book. Be a hero.


8 comments:

  1. There is no doubt on the power of story, you've proven it and I see it everyday. Fox on Sox has always (from the time I was small) been a favorite of mine, now even more so. I am so sorry you lost your brother at such a young age, but so very glad you were there with him...reading, taking joy in a moment that was so difficult. Thank you for sharing and reminding us why we do what we do!

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    1. That's right, Deb...another reminder of why we do what we do. Thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. :)

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  2. I am so sorry that your brother's early death is a part of your family's story and am thankful you shared the beautiful picture of you reading to him as he lay dying. And I totally agree! Books have always been good therapy for me in difficult times - I think of many hard moments when escaping with imaginary friends made things bearable. This last January when we were in the hospital with my seven-year-old we read the first Harry Potter together. It was so satisfying to be able to provide emotional comfort and soothe his imagination.

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    1. Absolutely, Marissa. Books and stories have this amazing power to transcend pain and fear. Our stories are magic, able to do so much. Thanks for reading and sharing, Marissa. :)

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  3. This is a touching post on the benefits of reading....I love the idea of being a reading hero! Thank you for sharing your story.

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    1. You are very welcome, Andrea. Thank YOU for taking the time to read and share your reply! :)

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  4. I am sorry that you lost your precious younger brother, but I'm glad that reading aloud became a positive, loving memory for you, instead of being associated with something sad. You took the love in that heart-breaking situation and passed it on.

    Read aloud is my absolute favorite part of my teaching day.

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    1. Sharing a story is a special moment and I love being able to do that. Reading aloud is absolutely wonderful! :)

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Thanks for adding to the mayhem!