A Future Reader Is Why I Write

It always blows me away when children recognize the Never Leave Your Wingman book. I am slowly getting used to adults telling me they've read and enjoyed this inspiring book about a seven-time cancer survivor and her wingman husband, but children's comments always surprise me. Pleasantly.

At a recent signing at the Chapters bookstore in Regina, Saskatchewan, a little girl came up to me and said, "I have this book at my school!" She gently touched the book cover as though it was a precious diamond or her favourite toy.

I asked which school she attended. She replied, "Douglas Park." 

I asked about her school because I and Dionne Warner, the subject of the book, have each spoken at various schools in Regina and elsewhere. I have not yet presented at that school and I wasn't sure if Dionne had either, but no matter. I was pleased that she expressed interest in the book.

As they were walking away after our chat, the little girl's father commented that his wife has posted on Facebook about the Never Leave Your Wingman book. Again, I was pleasantly surprised but I did not ask any further questions. 

I know! That was very difficult for this woman who has spent her entire adult life asking questions of others. But I fought my inquisitive journalist urges and refrained. Instead, as they walked away, I called out to the girl, "Keep reading and learning!"

She called back, "I don't know how to read!" I again was surprised. She was so intelligent and interested. I had not thought about her young age until then.

"I'm sure you'll learn soon and be great at it," I told her.

I turned back to my table of books and said to myself, "And that is why writers write. For future readers like her."