There are days when everything seems to go wrong. You don’t know how you did it but everything, EVERYTHING seems a mess. You don’t know where to start to get things in order: tidy the house or pay the bills? Wash clothes or go grocery shopping? Update the website or go for a jog?
One thing is for sure, you are not going to be able to get everything done today and the stress is building. If you have an appointment to read to kids in Brooklyn on such a day, it is more than a welcome distraction.
Weeks ago I was asked if I wanted to participate in the program “Book Talk” of city councilman Robert E. Cornegy. The goal was to encourage reading among school children by reading to them in an unpredictable place like a school or library. Approached by his super sweet manager Stefani Zinnerman who I met while campaigning for Obama and who is now a friend of mine, I of course said yes.
Thinking I just had to show up and read to teens, my chosen target audience, I walked to Von King Park, now one of my favorite places in Bedstuy. Contrary to what I had thought, it seemed like I had to approach a group of teens myself. Not only was I not expecting that, the park was full of kids but no teens. Oh, reading to kids and reading to teens is a big difference. Going home wasn’t really an option, I was already there, I figured I’d better make the best of it.
After I asked a few mothers if I could read to their children to encourage reading, I was suddenly surrounded by 10+ kids. Of course I couldn't really read to them because I didn't have a children's book with me, but that didn't spoil the fun. Luckily the book I did have with me was a photo book and I could ask questions about which hairstyles they liked and why. It was very cozy!
Soon Ebony, the oldest of the girls 9 years old, asked if she could sit on my shoot and of course the rest followed. Eventually Ebony read a page herself and the oldest of the boys also read. It seemed like the world was turned upside down for a moment, especially when she also wanted to take pictures. This picture and the rest were taken by them. My phone does not take great pictures but as young as they are I see talented photographers.
For me it was a wonderful togetherness. I really enjoyed those energetic super enthusiastic inquisitive sweet children. So the moral is right: if you feel miserable, do something useful, go help someone. So I felt good, only my life is still a mess. Did you still need help?
