My Mother said I was "reading" before I knew the alphabet. She would read to me from my story books and I would memorize each one. I would memorize those stories word for word and know by the pictures exactly when to turn the page.
I don't remember a time when books weren't a part of my life. I thank my Mother for that. By the time I was in 2nd grade I was reading at a 6th grade level. I haven't slowed down. Books take me places that I will never really go. They introduce me to people that I will never really meet. They open my mind to new experiences and new ideas. Books have been my friends, my playthings, my haven.

On The Wings Of Words

When I was small
My imagination flew
On the wings of words
Hidden in the pages of my books.
Now that I am grown
Those wings still cause my
Heart and mind to soar.