I never slept the night before library day at Washington Elementary. I read again and again last week’s choice. And when sleep wouldn’t come, my mom read it to me repeatedly. By the time we had memorized the latest Cowboy Sam book, or even the longer Henry Huggins, I simply closed my eyes and waited. 

I wasn’t afraid of the library. Quite the contrary. I loved it more than my heart could let go. I suppose that’s why my mother never lost patience on those Wednesday evenings. “It’s good to love this much,” she said, lying wide awake beside me. I shook my head yes against her shoulder, and I was saved.

I didn’t sleep last night. But that’s probably not a surprise. Today is too important. This 6th of July — this Christmas morning, this library day, this birthday of my mother — way too much for my heart to let go. I read my book. I rested quietly in the truth that it is indeed good to love this much!  And I do! I love my mom. I always will. 

Wake up, everyone!  Celebrate with me!  It’s my mom’s birthday!