11.26.2010

Thankfully Reading - Mini Challenge (1)

This weekend is the annual Thankfully Reading Challenge. Er, I'm going to assume it's annual even though this is the first time that I've participated. I couldn't really resist as the requirements are purty easy - read books this weekend, no pressure, just enjoy. Figuring that the best form of relaxation for me *is* reading, what a great challenge to credit for my downtime in between weekend errands. (Is it just me or is everyone else less productive after Thanksgiving, even though this time of year mandates more productivity?)
Jenn over at Jenn's Bookshelves asked the question:
Thanksgiving is all about being thankful for the things we have. So, for the first Thankfully Reading Weekend, write a post about the book you are most thankful for. This could be a book released this year or twenty years ago. Your post should include why you are thankful for that book.
Immediately after reading the question the image of The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein. I adored this book as a young girl. I have vague recollections of the first time it being read out loud to me by a teacher when I was maybe three or four years old.

As I grew older my love for The Giving Tree changed; the book took on a deeper and more personal meaning. I struggled with emotions, especially anger toward the young boy growing older. It bothered me so much that the boy was so selfish. The tree, once so beautiful, slowly grew weaker by years of giving a piece of herself for the young boy.

Around the time I turned eighteen and began officially taking care of myself, I saw how synonymous The Giving Tree was (is) to my relationship with my mom. Through a tumultuous childhood , my mother was always my protector, always my giver, always putting my personal needs above hers. In my selfishness of childhood ignorance it never occurred to me to even say thank you.

Christmas season that year, I purchased a copy of The Giving Tree. I found pictures of my mom and me from when I was young until what was then present time and pasted them throughout the book. I aged with the boy in the book.

My mom still has the book. I found it a couple of years ago while going through the back room helping her clean out some stuff. I have to admit, after reading the words I wrote to her over ten years ago brought tears to my eyes. Tears because I remembered once again vividly all that she did for me and how I still don't say thank you enough.

15 comments:

  1. This post brought tear to *my* eyes.

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  2. Wow. What a beautiful story! It's been decades since I read this book. I need to pick up a copy. I' rediscovering some great books this weekend!

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  3. That is an amazing story. Thank you for sharing.

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  4. Oh, that is just a sweet book! Great selection!

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  5. Thanks for sharing your story! It's amazing how books can grow with us and continue to affect us over time.

    Happy reading!

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  6. Sweet story, great classic children's book. Thanks!

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  7. I didn't read this one until I was an adult but I, too, gave a copy to my mother when I realized how appropriately it fit. It's a book that even now I can't read without crying.

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  8. Wow! This is such an emotional post! The book is a weepy one for me, as well. Good choice!

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  9. One of the best books ever, and a beautiful post :)

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  10. What a sweet story and gift for your mother. It brought tears to my eyes just reading about it.

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  11. Thank you for sharing your deeply personal connection to this book.

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  12. I've always been a bit selfish when it comes to my books, this made me think of giving a book with this type of idea in mind.

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  13. This is one of my favorite books ever. Thank you for sharing your story, and I'm sure your mum appreciate you telling her so!

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  14. My kids loved this one, even if I couldn't make it all the way through without choking up!

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  15. Awww...this was lovely. "The Giving Tree" has always affected me emotionally, and, like you, I found that my reactions to it have changed over time. But I do end up in tears each time I read it.

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