The joy I find in reading is how it connects us to one another. Bonds are created either through chemistry with the characters on the pages or the closeness of snuggling up with someone you love to find out what will happen next.

When I was a little girl, my father would read to me every night from the same set of storybooks. My favorites included The Donkeyskins, The Three Dogs, and The Ogre’s Three Golden Hairs. The books were large, very old, and extremely tattered, but that didn’t matter. I loved hearing my dad read them to me, because he brought the stories to life through his animated voice and actions, and my imagination would race as I examined the beautifully detailed illustrations.

These books were so dear to my childhood that when I started a family of my own, my father gifted me a few of the books, which are no longer in print. Over the years, my husband and I have found other books of this long lost series to add to our collection. My children, especially my daughter, adore these books, and feel a special connection to their grandfather as I read in the same animated way.

In November 2020, my father passed away, but through these beautiful stories there is a part of him that will never leave us.

Jeana is a wonderful friend we met through church. She possesses an incredible singing voice, a stunning smile, and a heart of gold. We have been the recipients of her caring service many times. She homeschools her two children and has shared her talents for music in various impressive productions. Jeana, thank you for sharing these touching thoughts on reading with your family!

tawnyember