For six years, our dear friend, Letty, could not move a muscle. She was confined to her bed — physically — as a result of ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease. But she was never confined mentally or spiritually. Letty experienced the world as she read two books at a time. On one side of her tray was a science book; on the other side, the NY Times Book Review, or a novel, or a missive from a friend. Those of us in her Share the Care group were honored to turn pages for her. We usually read in tandem, turning pages of both texts when she was ready to move on.
One day as I enjoyed our shared silence, Letty asked me, “Sally, is it enough to be a reader?” Is it enough to be a reader? Her question stunned me, and still does.
There are times in life when reading is the most convenient and the most exotic pleasure. As Rex has undergone chemo, suffered from anemia, been in and out of the hospital, and then had great days of vigor and delight, I’ve found that being a reader is not only enough, but also essential. I can BECOME a reader at a moment’s notice. I can re-enter life just as quickly when needed. As a result, my life as care-giver is never on hold.
Recently I’ve found myself hooked on books about women travelers of the 1920s and 30s. I owned a book, The Gobi Desert, by Mildred Cable about her missionary travels over many decades in the Gobi Desert. And then friend Michelle recommended Freya Stark. (I read one of her many travel books, Valley of the Assassins, and her biography by Jane Fletcher Geniesse, Passionate Nomad). This brave and bizarre British woman grew up in Italy, learned Arabic at 14, and then traveled the Middle East for years–often alone with just a guide and a mule-driver! She partied in Cairo during WWII, and she lived to be 100, passing away in 1993! Who knew!? 
So yes, I’ve been there for Rex all the way. But I’ve also walked across the deserts of the world, peaked into living spaces of commoners and leaders, sat stunned at incredible vistas (both of these women were photographers!), and come to know two amazing women.
Yes, Letty, sometimes it IS enough to be a reader. (I’ll share more about reading in the coming days….)
See REFERENCES for Amazon links to books cited.
