The Little Engine That Could

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I've been reading children's books for many years. Many. Since I was a child. I was eager to begin school so I could learn to read and read to myself. When I had two daughters I read to them until they were able to read for themselves. Then they each had two daughters and I read to them every chance I got. The youngest of these is almost getting too old for me to read to her now but we still read together occasionally. I believe my favorite children's book through the years has been The Little Engine That Could. I have the 1976 version that I first began reading to my older daughter. It's a beautiful book, colorful and well illustrated, with drama and repetition. It's always been a favorite of theirs, and I never tire of reading it. What I like most about this book is the message it conveys. Even adults need to hear that message of perseverance and determination occasionally. Also the little engine was the one who stopped to help deliver the toys to the eagerly awaiting children when others wouldn't. Now, looking back, I see the story of the little engine paralleling my life. I went through some tough times when I was raising my daughters and had to keep plugging away to make it through. It seemed to reach an apex when they had finished college and we were planning their weddings. It was a struggle at times but well worth the effort. Much of the time since then has seemed downhill where the going is easier. I just have to remind myself to slow down a bit now and then. ,