18. Like Mother, Like Daughter

Ever since I can remember, books have always been a big part of my life. I have countless memories of my mom reading to me in bed as I grew up. I loved spending time with my mother, and I loved the stories just as much. Whether it was a picture book, or out of a simple chapter book, bedtime was something I looked forward to always. My mother is a huge reader, and she loves to spend any extra time sitting down with a good book. Although all of my siblings were read to as kids, reading has stuck with me the most.

As I grew older, I started to read on my own every night. I would beg my mom to take me to the library to get some new picture books that I could read. I even checked out a few books every week at my school library all throughout elementary school. I would even wake up early for school some days so that I could have time to get some reading done before school. In junior high, I brought books with me to read in classes that were boring to me, or just for when I would finish my work early. I remember some days I would even convince my best friend to read with me; we spent some of our Friday nights reading two copies of the same book. We would read to a previously decided stopping point, then discuss like our own little book club. I loved those nights! In high school, I became much more busy with school; but I always made time to read at least one chapter before bed.

Now that I have started college, I have not had the chance to read a book of my choosing for quite awhile with all the other required readings for my classes. As I thought about this, and I wondered why is it that I love reading so much? I found this quote by Mason Cooley that says, "Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are." I think this describes my love of reading perfectly! I love feeling like I am experiencing a different life with compelling experiences from unique viewpoints. Reading is a great way to escape, and definitely is my most commonly used coping method. I have read many books that have changed my life and made me a better person. I am so grateful for my mother for introducing me to my life-long love of reading books. I hope to incorporate the same traditions with my own children one day!