The Wednesday Surprise

Another ‘review' that is more journal entry.

The teacher that I am lucky to be in a classroom with, read this to the class with the intention of pointing out that trying and doing is important regardless of age or the feeling that ‘one should already know something'. I agree, stigma and shame hold people back –often needlessly.

The book made me think of my own grandmother, whom I speak with near daily. My grandmother is literate, however she was denied a formal education past 9th grade. When she was about 14 she left for the convent, happily. Unfortunately, the sisters there felt that she was too difficult to teach and/or that she was more useful doing other tasks. Later in life she earned her GED, going to night classes. Whenever she mentions this accomplishment I always let her know that I am proud of her and acknowledge that what she did was difficult. I am privileged in that not only did I receive a formal education, but that my parents made it a priority.

Not everyone is nearly so lucky. My father recently met a man in his early twenties (with substance issues) that was barely literate. I believe that he could suss out basic information, but not literate enough to read something lengthy like a book or contract.

Barbara Bush championed literacy because she believed that is was linked to homelessness. Literacy in one of my causes, and I am so happy that I get to help promote it in many forms.