When I was a little girl, I L-O-V-E-D books. I loved to read them, hold them and just look at them for hours and hours. I'd get lost just staring into the pages and imagining that I was really there in the stories. It was the perfect way of escaping from the reality of my home life. One of my favorite books as a child (actually there are so many) was "Jellybeans for Breakfast" by Miriam Young. I cherished every page right down to the tiniest jellybean.
Flash forward 30 or so years and I am now blessed with two little readers of my own. I have tried to foster a love of books in them and we make weekly journeys to the local library to supplement our own growing stash of books. They too are hooked! I've tried to bring many of my old favorites into their lives such as Richard Scarry and Dr. Seuss. As my oldest began approaching Kindergarten age, I began to think of "Jellybeans for Breakfast" and how perfect it is for girls her age. I looked at book stores and online and couldn't find it. Well, that's not totally true, I did find it online for over $150.00 - whew!!
I asked my mother if she remembered it and, hopefully, had she saved it?? My mother is a saver. She saved every report I ever wrote in school, every art project, mother's day card, even random drawings on the back of envelopes. And, she had indeed saved an enormous amount of our childhood books - tons of them! My kids were thrilled to get all the wonderful books from grandma - but, one was missing.
Now, I have to admit, my mother's saving habits have always bothered me. I'm a chucker. If it's not in use, or will not be in use it's gone. We've fought about this and it's been a painful subject for both of us. It's so odd, a part of me is so deeply touched that she carefully tucked away all of these wonderful creations of mine over so many years! And, when my own little artists present me with something they have made, I too am finding myself bitterly fighting the urge to save every last tiny scribble and paint splatter.
Last year, I was looking in my mother's closet and I discovered another stash of children's books. My heart jumped. Would it be there? And, suddenly, there it was. Just as I had remembered it all those years ago. I was so happy that I cried. I cried for all the times I had read that book, so loving every word and illustration. I cried for all the times I had told my mother to just get rid of all the junk!
Flash forward to tonight. My husband is reading to our little girls. Reading the very book that brought me so much joy and continues to give so much joy to my own children.
Thank you Miriam Young.
Thank you mom.
