Today is the first installment for Memory Lane Mondays. I've been going through my books recently, so this memory is one that came to mind. I hope you enjoy it...
My parents divorced when I was 4 years old, so it was just my momma, my little sis and me. Momma did the best she could, working as a waitress, and making ends meet. She developed an eye for a bargain. She clothed us and furnished our home with second hand deals. She was a fixture at the Salvation Army Store each week when the trucks brought in the "new" donations. The Caldwell Auction became a regular part of her routine. There was also the Youth Ranch, St. Vincents, yard sales, and more. There wasn't a lot of money to go around, but my sis and I never knew it.
I began reading at an early age, and from the moment my mind began to understand the concept of words and stories, I loved books. At the end of my first grade year, I decided to take my Dick, Jane, and Sally book home with me. Somehow, I knew it was wrong so I hid the book in my room. It wasn't long before Momma found it. I could tell she was disappointed in me. She rarely got cross with me, but this day she did. She explained that bringing the book home was stealing, and that I would have to return it at the beginning of the next school year. Momma took the book and placed it in her cedar chest. "Can't I have it until we take it back" I pleaded. "No, it's not yours to read. It stays in the chest until you return it to school." she answered. That's where it stayed, and I learned a valuable lesson. Momma stuck by her principles, but she also saw how much I loved reading. After that, whenever my birthday or Christmas came around, there was always a book with my name in it.
© 31JAN11 ajj
NOTE: To Participate, or if you just want to read other peoples stories, click on the Memory Lane Mondays photo link. It's on my sidebar.
