My other mother, Juanita, taught me to read. It began with afternoon sessions where I would be unruly and pissed because my afternoons work (play time) was interrupted. I mean who was going to keep the neighborhood safe unless I, aka Daniel Boone, was there with my long rifle and coon skin cap.

But you never fought a battle of wills with Nita and won, so, eventually she wore me down and I actually tried. I was never so proud of myself than the moment when the word clicked, Sun. As my skill level progressed (Yes I know there are those who disagree) I tormented everyone by reading to them. After several weeks of hearing aloud "The Adventures of Dick and Jane" I was given new books and encouraged to practice reading in silence as I would in the library when I started school.

By the time I started kindergarten I was well ahead of the other kids and Nita could show her face at school without being ashamed of me, coon skin cap and all. She taught me many things over the years, she was an amazing woman. I love and miss her greatly.