Settle in with a cuppa as our UK friends would say - be it coffee or tea - because this is going to be a long-assed post - as in 'Windy long' :>)) A good editor with a red pen could cut it down to half a page I am sure, but I do like to tell a story ... and sometimes, they are long winded stories ...
Frank grew up in the Canadian prairies, in the 50's and 60's, with much of his young life spent living on a farm. He is second eldest of eight kids. Reading was something you were expected to learn and do at school - it was not something there was a lot of time for at home where farm chores and helping with your siblings was the expected before and after school activities. It was also a time where there was not much understanding in the school system for children who might have what we now call learning disabilities. You were either held back or pushed forward and often negatively labelled.
I grew up a much older sister to four younger half brothers. My parents divorced when I was barely three. I ended up living with my Dad and eventually, my stepmom, my own mother residing hours away in another city. The void of being without my own mother and in the care of a very young step mother, who quickly had 4 children of her own, was filled by my maternal grandmother. I am eternally grateful for her love and care - I was at her house every school day for lunch and stayed with her at least one weekend a month. Born in Scotland, immigrating in her late teens, she went on to become a school teacher. Her volunteer job after retiring, was running our tiny local public library. Her small home was always filled with books as no book hit the library shelves without going through her hands first. She instilled in me a love of books and is the reason for my lifetime of being an avid reader.
When Frank and I met, our shared interest in music was one of the first things that drew us together ... me a 70's folkie and he a 60's rock and a country music guy. We both played guitar and sang - him much better than me, having fronted his own band as a lead singer for a couple years in his late teens. This shared interest was a big part of our lives. Due this focus, what I did not pay attention to at the time, was his lack of interest in anything to do with books or reading.
Once we were married and living together full-time, I began to notice a few things - especially with the normal practice couples have of leaving notes for one another. One of my younger brothers, going to school in a time where there was more information and focus on learning disabilities, had been diagnosed at a young age as having dyslexia. As a result I knew some of the symptoms and tells and began to recognize these with Frank. I also began to suspect his lack of interest in all things reading could also be a sign of a possible reading disability. I encouraged him, and to his credit, he followed through, to attend an Adult Literacy program where it was confirmed - he had dyslexia. He stayed in the program to it's end and although it helped, it never was enough to kindle an interest in reading.
So yes, a long winded explanation to say there has always been a disparity in our interests when it comes to reading and books. We would go away on vacation - me with a stack of books, him with a fishing rod. We would sit down in the evening - me with a book and him in front of the television. Once in awhile I would think it might be nice to sit down with my partner and have a good discussion about a book - but other than that occasional thought, I just accepted it as our way of life.
This is not to say Frank never reads - he gets and reads a digital newspaper daily and has done so for years. He reads magazines and occasionally will delve into a book but usually that ends up getting put aside before he finishes it. What happens is his need to focus on the mechanics of reading, interferes with his ability to 'get into' the book. Yes, he has tried audio books - he falls asleep. Yes, I have tried reading to him - he falls asleep .... and I don't usually know that until I hear him snoring :>))
So enter our foray into Blogland this time last year. As I made discoveries in various blogs I would forward those posts onto him to read. He would always read my blog posts and as a result also started to explore the various links in my accompanying blogroll. Eventually this turned our morning time practice of an hour in bed, cup of coffee in hand, reading blogs - almost every day.
One day in early January, as I came into the kitchen, Frank mentioned he had moved my iPad and in doing so noticed and read the book page that was open. He said he thought it was something he might like to read and asked how could he do that. I told him I could install the Kindle app on his tablet and download the book for him as it was purchased from Amazon allowing it to be re-downloaded and read on a different device. I set it all up for him, including the white on black print, as is my preferred reading option. He was fascinated by the dictionary and highlighting capabilities of the app as well.
Fast forward a week or so from then and we are on our way to our big city getaway. I noticed he read the entire time both waiting for and on the ferry. Our first stop was for an appointment I had. As we parked I asked if he was coming in with me. His response of 'no I'll wait in the car and read', had my heading swivelling in a double take .... 'okaaay' I thought ... and off I went. When I returned to the car and opened the door, I startled him. "That didn't take long", he said ... however, what he missed was I had been gone for at least a half an hour. I didn't say anything further but inside I was doing a happy little jig! .... my man had been reading ... immersed and absorbed in the story - so much that time disappeared!
Frank went on to finish that book, in what for him, was record time and three days ago asked me to download another in the series. I happily did so. He is reading more in the evenings instead of watching television which has me awed and amazed! ... my theory is, blogs and the stories often found in blogs, are relatively short - something he can stay absorbed in without losing his place. The daily practice of doing this reading for a year has improved his reading abilities to the extent he can now lose himself in the story in a full length book - something he has never been able to do before. In addition, in talking about it, we think the ability to read on a tablet with white lettering on a black background may also be helping.
Sitting companionably in silence in the evening, that blasted television turned off, both of us reading, is an unexpected pleasure - one I never thought would happen in our lives.
Thanks again, for dropping by ... nj & Frank
Awe! Nora Jean - I LOVE this post. There's a contentment that just comes shining through -- both in your happy place, both quiet, both reading away coffee in hand. What a beautiful picture.
ReplyDeleteThroughout the week I will find Matt reading my blog posts too, or checking out my blog roll on the sidebar. Since discovering blog land we both share that common interest in always learning more - together. Enjoy that precious time. Hugs -- shell
Hi Shell ... thank you! ... yes, we are very much enjoying our reading, learning and sharing time together ... both in ttwd Blogland and the times we relax together. I love that you are finding that same sharing with Matt.
Delete.. nj ... xx
NJ, this has to be one of the best posts I have read! I love how this all came together! How amazing that TTWD led to a new love of reading!
ReplyDeleteBoo
Thanks Boo! ... I am still pretty amazed myself ... I didn't think we'd find too much new in our lives after 47 years together but here we are :>)) ... nj ... xx
DeleteHi NJ, I have the biggest smile reading this. Who would have thought ttwd would in part help Frank with his dyslexia. How awesome! and how wonderful that reading is something you now enjoy doing together :)
ReplyDeleteHugs
Roz
It is indeed wonderful, Roz! ... happy to be making you smile all the way Down Under :>))
Delete... nj ... xx
What a great story, Nora Jean. Having been a teacher, it damn near made me cry. When I watched a kid really become an independent and eager reader,it was the biggest thrill of all.
ReplyDeleteParents would always question me about what their child was reading. Shouldn't they be reading just challenging,award-winning books? My advice was always that if they enjoyed reading, just leave them alone. You are lucky, and you don't know it.
I can remember packing my bookshelves at school with whatever the kids wanted for their nightly reading and free-read time at school. Choose Your Own Adventure and Baby-Sitters Club.
Don't underestimate the power of reading aloud even to older kids or adults. We had novel studies of strong children's literature, and they came to have favorite authors.
I just love that it was blogland that brought him to this discovery.
Hugs From Ella
I knew this one would get to you, Ella ... my sense is you loved your career, stressful as it was and would be one to truly appreciate a good news reading story :>)) ... Hugs back at ya! ... nj
DeleteNJ,
ReplyDeleteSo glad that Frank is reading. Truly, reading is one of the very best of pleasures.
I am back to my reading. I am reading for long stretches in the day. I have allowed blogland to gobble up large amounts of my time and the result is that I feel I need to get back to my books. I feel better when I have two or three books going at the same time. I catch myself thinking about the storyline. I find myself thinking less about blogs. The balance is returning........... I am buying the books and not using my ipad to read. With the ipad, it was just too handy to read in spurts and then check the blogs or email. Now I am devoting the time to the reading.
Good for Frank to rekindle the most important pleasure in the world...... aside from a good spanking.
Meredith
I am so happy for you, Meredith ... that you are able to reconnect with the old loves in your life ... books, reading and your art. Hope art classes are going well also.
DeleteI know many people who are readers say they prefer to have their books physically in their hands. However, I have a slight vision problem due to aging eyes and the 'nightview' (white on black background) found on digital helps greatly with that. I also like that I can 'keep' all my books without wondering where to put them all ... lol! ... nj ... xx
Hi Nora Jean, :) What a wonderful post! I loved hearing about how Frank growing up on a farm, and how your grandmother influenced your love of reading.
ReplyDeleteThat must have been so tough for Frank back then! It is a wonderful thing that you have tried to help in little ways over the years. Blogging (reading blogs) certainly has a lot of benefits, but who would have thought that it would make such a difference in the reading realm? That is so neat that it led Frank to want to read more, and find that he enjoyed it as well. So cool!
Loved the pic of the couple hanging out, reading their books together! Beautiful that that is now you as well! Have a great weekend! Stay cozy! Many hugs,
❤️Katie xoxo
Hi Katie ... I think it was tougher for Frank that he has ever let on. His auntie, now in her eighties has told me a few stories about a little boy lost :>))
DeleteI am still a bit in shock when dinner is over and the fire is on, that Frank settles into his easy chair with his book on his tablet, while I do the same ... takes some getting used to :>))
... nj ... xx
This is a great change. My husband likes to watch movies while I read. Yet I do know that he also likes to read, numerous books at a time. I wish that my kids found joy in reading though. I read to them and took them to the library but still, they only read what is required of them from school. Kind of sad. I can only imagine how proud of Frank you are. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteHi Blondie ... it is tough when you love books and your children don't. I have one that does and the other that didn't ... he had an issue that was never really diagnosed as something specific. He ended up getting help in prep for college. It made a difference but he still only reads for information, never for pleasure.
DeleteI am very proud of Frank ... and the fact that it was never anything intentional makes it all the more amazing! ... nj
Well I like Frank am dyslexic. For years I didn't read much, fiction. It wasn't until they tested one of our sons for sciopoc sensitivity syndrome that I understood what my aversion was. Yes I am a slower reader, and yes I can get lost reading but reading electronically is much easier .If one has Irene Syndrome, another name for it, overlays help many reading issues associated with print media. For example I often found myself reading glossy magazines in a darker room, not knowing why.
ReplyDeleteNow I can choose certain print books based on font and paper, but it's still easier electronically. You can change the background, if needed or the font. There are some blogs I simply can't read because of both of those things .
All this to say, I wonder if Frank can relate?
Willie
Wow, Willie! ... I would never have guessed but that is the nature of the affliction isn't it. It manifests itself in very many ways. You write very well so that is why I would never have guessed it was something you struggle with as well. Both my brother and Frank have issues with writing as well as reading.
DeleteFrank read your comment ... he confirms, yes, the black background with white lettering on the Kindle app makes a big difference for him and yes, there are blogs he finds very difficult to read because of the background/letter colouring combinations ... nj
Thank you for your kind words. Though any posts I used to write generally took me half a day, and I would often go back and correct mistakes continually days after. Thank God for the computer and all its wonderful editing glory, and the fact that it speeds up my writing ( it takes me forever just to sign my name! lol) English wasn't actually a huge challenge for me other than reading ( huge challenge when B gives me lines to do and it took us a while to actually connect the dots there). I took my brother's ( who has dyslexia as does our son) mindset when I was young, if spelling is 10% of the final mark on an essay, mine was out of 90 not 100. LOL. He can't write well, but he's a human calculator!
DeleteAnyway, The Davis Institute Online views dyslexia as a gift. It goes well beyond academic struggle. Years ago I started reading about dyslexia and it felt like all these pieces fell into place. Not sure if Frank would be interested, but I do know my Mom found it interesting, so maybe you would as a wife too.
https://www.dyslexia.com/about-dyslexia/dyslexic-talents/dyslexia-8-basic-abilities/
(Thinking in pictures really makes for some great analogies- much to my husband's chagrin LOL)
willie
Welcome, Don and thank-you! It's always good to 'see' new faces :>)) ... nj
ReplyDeleteThis is such an interesting and inspiring post. I can relate to this because my guy also had dyslexia. I say that in the past tense because it is no longer an issue for him. Early on in our relationship we would be in bed, me reading and he twiddling his thumbs. I was shocked he wasn’t a reader but soon found out why. A trip to the library, some read alouds, and interest in a specific genre and all these years later my guy reads constantly. He reads far more than I do, he’s on his fifth novel since the new year, averaging one a week and the next four are already lined up on his bedside table. He is always on the hunt for books. It’s a success story that shocks him more than anyone I think. It can and does happen...I love that Frank is interested in reading, and has found something that has hooked him. It’s truly one of life’s sweet pleasures and it’s thrilling that you can both enjoy it side by side. How sweet!
ReplyDeleteAn interesting post. Reading blogs (specially spanking ones) helps also to ramp up the sex life.
ReplyDeletebottoms up
Red