I was 50 years old, and I couldn’t read a newspaper. I had never read a
book. I avoided meaningful conversations with others. And I had no idea
how the government worked. Oh yes, I was a high school graduate, but I
never got out of the 2nd grade reading level. I didn’t cause trouble in
school, so they just let me move on to the next grade. My only
salvation was having that high school diploma which enabled me to get
bottom end jobs. You can’t imagine a life where you always have to hide
the fact that you can’t read. You get really good at deception.
At
age 50, a miracle happened for me. I came home from work one day and
flipped on the TV. A person was talking about all the adults who
couldn’t read. He said there were around 150,000 adults in my town who
couldn’t read. I was astounded. I thought I might be the only one. This
person went on to say there was a program to help adults learn to read,
and it was free. I didn’t sleep well that night because all I could
think of was “learn to read” and “it’s free”.
The next day I
decided to call the number they gave, but when they answered, I hung
up. I just froze. I didn’t know what to say. The next day I tried again
and told the person I couldn’t read and needed help. They were so nice
and arranged for me to have a private tutor. The tutor’s name was
Margaret. We spent two nights a week together for 18 months. I was now
able to read!
Margaret and I became best of friends. I owe so
much to her. I was so thankful that I learned to read that I wanted to
help others learn also. Margaret said I would be very effective in
recruiting new tutors. She said I shared my story with such emotion and
gratitude. I guess she was right because I worked for the Literacy
Council for 18 years recruiting tutors. Those 18 years helping others
to read have been the highlight of my life.
In 1995 I was
diagnosed with cancer, and I retired in 1996. My health is not good,
but I am so grateful. I can read the newspaper. I have read many books
on Western history, and I now enjoy conversations with friends and
family. I still don’t understand how the government works, though. My
greatest joy now is learning that my granddaughter has enrolled in
college. Life can’t get any better!
Doyle
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Posted on
Wed, December 31, 2008
by As We Do Life
filed under