Today, 12 May 2023, some books I had ordered on Amazon, came. Even before unwrapping them, I got a cellophane sheet, a tape and a scissor.
As I happily opened them, read their back-cover, I traveled back in time when books were not as readily available, and when probably I learned valuing and loving books .. and much more..
Year 2005
I was in grade 5. My EVS teacher - Mrs Neeru had suggested a book for extra reading. Sadly, I could not find that book in the market.
As a workaround, my mother asked me to borrow it from Neeru Ma'am for a day and get it photocopied. And so, I did. That night, my mother covered my teacher's book in a cellophane sheet and put a handmade bookmark with a Thank You note in it.
My teacher was really happy seeing her book and the Thank You note the next day. She smiled at me as she took it back. I saw expressions on her face- of pride, of learning something new, of getting something unexpected!
I did not know what I was learning then. I just liked what my mother did. Over the years I realised, I started..
1. Respecting and more than that loving books.
2. Returning things in a better condition than you found them in!
Back to present day
My books are finally covered and look safe. From dirty hands, getting torn around the edges! etc etc...
There are many things I have learnt from my mother. Many I have wanted to learn, but still WIP. And most, I might never have the talent to learn.
Yes, this is one I have picked up properly. As soon as I get a book, new or old, the first thing I do is,cover it with a cellophane sheet.
I do something extra too! My mother was okay to write with pencil around in her books if need be! I go an extra step and have never been able to as much as write my name on the first page. My books have to be as good as new. I like them without a mark.
People might say they look like you never read them. Well that is how it is! :D
If I want to write, I have a notebook with every book.. For notes and learnings :). Or bookmarks.
This memory also brought home another point. Things you learn as a kid stay! As much as I wish I had learnt many other things as a kid - like cooking, driving, gymnastics, acrobatics, coding etc etc etc.:p because they become second nature to you when you learn them young..
Either ways.. I try to learn them now. Never too late.. and better late than never..
And my mother never leaves a chance to teach me stuff- intentionally and unintentionally :p
The books that brought back these memories
and the lady, my lady :p who gifted them and everything else (My mom :p)
~manu
~twwg
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