From the beginning of years that I can remember, I recall mom taking my sister and me to the little library that served a developing part of Houston on the west side. Wood floors, friendly librarians and a charming donkey in the pasture behind the library were part of the attraction. My sister and I enjoyed feeding the critter as he stuck his head over the barbed wire fence. In the library, we found stories to entertain, curiosity to be satisfied, adventures to be taken, knowledge to be gained, wisdom to absorb, philosophy to examine…so, it strikes me as a particular shame that we are losing libraries daily.

The cause is not digital books or the internet; it is a loss of our own making. We have quit listening to elders, asking them questions, engaging them in our activities, encouraging them to reminisce and share stories, getting their perspectives, and describing life in the days of their adventurous years. And that is just a start.

I often tap into memories of what my parents and grandparents shared with me, of what older relatives and neighbors spoke about, of what the occasional stranger with whom I have engaged in conversation has chatted about, and the many people who I have interviewed for articles, award speeches, newspaper stories and so on. How I wish that I could visit again with those people again, especially my parents and grandparents, with patience, unlimited time and a listening ear. From the library comprised of those people, I have gained insights about life, tips on fishing and gardening, guidance for dealing with work challenges, encouragement to never give up in life, information related to my lineage …

It is up to each of us to keep these libraries open. Each of us has a key…a simple question to ask of an elder, “Can you tell me about…?”

Check out my photographic project for the year, The Year of 70: Decades of Joy and Thanks.