eat. For our physical being, perhaps, but since the printing press,

we are what we read. Our character, morals, behavior, and vocation

or profession, we got, at least in part, from a book. In our

modern, information-overloaded society, one could argue that we are

influenced by what we hear, see and even feel, and that is true to

a certain extent, but the real essence of us will always be found

in what our minds process and what we assimilate of the written

was asked to be the narrator for a cantata being performed by our

very good church choir. All I did was sit up there with the truly

talented people and read the words off the printed page at the

right time. I was amazed that people complimented me on my

contribution to the program when all I did was something I’ve been

father from an early age. I can still feel the comfort of those

words being spoken to me. There was a good collection of books

always available, and even if the words held no meaning for me, the

pictures explained a lot. I learned early that books held the key

reading was taught and required, I needed no encouragement. I never

mastered math, or any other subject, but I did learn to read, and

from the time I did, my life was richer. Since then, I do not

recall a time when there hasn’t been a book

read is a mystery. I have no idea why science books have always

attracted me, nor do I have a clue as to why anything written about

the workings of an automobile, or the human body draws me in, but

library in the small west Texas town where we lived. I am certain

that the library held few books, but they were more than I had ever

seen in one place and I was thrilled as I turned and saw then in

Within a few minutes, I can find a book to take me any place I want

to go, even to other worlds, or planets. Some are so wonderfully

described that when I actually get to visit them, I find myself,

for example, pointing out where regiments were placed, and how they

then, “no, I read it in a book.” But you know something, I was

there. I smelled the sulfur from the gunpowder, the sweat of the

men, heard the shouts of the charge, and the groans and cries of

the wounded. I ran with the men and felt my lungs and legs burn

with exhaustion. I felt the fear, the sadness of loss, and the

thrill of victory. Yeah, I was there and never left my

associate with, and emulate successful people. That is so easy to

do if you have a book. At a very early age, I knew and admired

George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Boone, George Washington

Carver, George Armstrong Custer, Thomas Edison, Benjamin Franklin,

Ivanhoe, Lewis and Clark, and literally hundreds of others. I met,

and adventured with them all because I can read. I never shook

David Crockett’s hand, but he taught me to, “Be always sure you are

right, then go ahead.” I’ve been trying to live by that since I

read it. It is part of who I am. It is part of my

your life, you got where you are, and will get where you are going

because you read about it somewhere. If you are confused by this,

or don’t understand, I suggest you go find a book and get lost in

it. Your way will become abundantly clear even if the rest of us