Reading to children enriches the reader and the child

In the Thursday, March 28, edition referencing reading to a child, I was inspired to respond. For 13 years, I volunteered at North Rowan Elementary through the CIS program. These years were some of the most rewarding times in my life.  

Although I worked with many children over those years, I will never forget Randee (didn’t use his name). A child like this comes along not as often as it should. Before his last year at North Rowan Elementary ended, his dad moved them to Davidson County over the Christmas holidays and I was not aware of the move until the holidays were over. I was surprised and saddened that he was gone. Seems Randee had walked to NRE while it was closed (unaware I suppose) to see if I was there. Later, the cleaning lady told me he began to cry when he realized I was not there (Volunteers cannot give out phone numbers, addresses, etc. to the children). She said he cried as if his heart was broken and I admit mine was too.  

I thought this might be of some interest to readers that needy children, despite what many adults think, are not always problem children. Sometimes they are diamonds in the rough.  

— Edith Julian
Salisbury