Reading Legacy

There are not many things I can pass onto my grandchildren. I am retired so can’t pass on a work ethic. Cooking and baking skills are always a learning process.  I’m not great with a checkbook. I can’t sew and struggle with drawing and writing. I used to be good but now I’m terrible at sports. I oftentimes misspeak or use hyperbole in conversation.

But, what I can do - is pass on my love of reading. I can introduce them to books and characters and work to ensure reading is a part of their lives.

I believe in kindness and character. I believe in books to build empathy and perspective, to break down walls that divide ‘us”’and  ‘them.’ I believe building relationships is the key to community and the risk-taking that comes when everyone feels accepted and safe.

I am a grandparent and this is what I do. I can teach my grandkids to listen to each other, to be empathetic, to choose kindness. I can do my best to model these actions, to listen before I snap to judgement, to show respect to everyone, to create a home where everyone’s voice matters. And as Ram Das said, “We are all just walking each other home.”