A poet was once commissioned by an emperor to write a poem honoring the emperor’s family. The emperor’s daughter had just given birth. After many months, the poet presented the emperor with the following:
Grandparent dies
Parent dies
Child dies
When the emperor complained, the poet explained that there was no greater blessing than to have a family’s passing take place in the order presented in the poem. Indeed, this is how life plays itself out most of the time, though we are not always so blessed.
When we are reading a book, we immerse ourselves in another’s story. Our child’s life is its own story. It has a beginning and we are somewhere in the middle. Awaken while reading a book. Grasp the book firmly in your hands and imagine that you are holding the book of your child’s life. When you take a break from reading, put it down with care.
