Suitcase full of stories

There are quite a few reasons I love my Mother...

One of my favorite reasons being that she is the woman who taught me to fiercely love words. I remember deeply relating to Matilda as she received her first library card, understanding the wealth of worlds that suddenly became available (Well... while having a big vocabulary, even at four, I'm sure I didn't quite understand the depth of that emotion... but it was still magic). My love of books began with a little blonde girl in The Story of May and as I grew my appetite for stories increased as well. 

Reasons to Pick Up a Book...

1) They are a way to be somewhere else when you have to stay where you are.

2) They provide constant, reliable companionship.

3) In a world where illiteracy is still a problem, reading is a privilege. 

4) There are things to be learned found between their pages. 

5) Personally, I tend to grow with each book as I live the story with each new character... 

5.2) If not, I grow as a weaver of stories and become a better writer, which is equally important.

Not Everyone Can have the "Belle Library"...

Which, as far as I'm concerned, is an utter travesty. Another reason my Mom rocks is that she instilled a strong sense of altruism in my young heart. Constantly reminded of my blessings, she made sure I looked at the world and saw that I needed to use what I have to make it better. While spring cleaning, I realized that I have far more books than I read; while some have few books of their own and only one main resource for their escape: the Public Library. 

Having identified a problem and placing myself responsible for being a part of the solution, there was only one thing to do: set up a donation pile. 57 books later, I wheeled (pro-tip: use a suitcase, easier on your back and no potential of breakage ala paper bag) them to the local library where their lessons are available to so many more people now that they're no longer being hoarded in my apartment. 

So, What if You Don't Have Books to Spare?

I'm so very glad you asked, because it leads to one of my favorite ideas. Share your story. I've lived quite a bit in my short 22 and 353/365 years; I've been majorly blessed as well has having gone through some crazy life situations that were a direct result of my choices. I live with the mistakes, though, by realizing that I'm in no way a solitary human, each problem I face can be used as an example (good or bad) for someone else. I've been called in the middle of the night specifically because I've lived through: a broken engagement, a loved one's cancer diagnosis, and having been taken advantage of by a religious organization... All heartbreaking experiences that have now been used to counsel someone else and give them strength when they needed it. 

Open up, people will surprise you,

K