Dear Ms. Rowling~
I’m writing to thank you for your Harry Potter series. Yes, I realize that it has been 7 years since the last book was published and that you have probably received millions of fan letters and will probably never see this one. Still, I felt compelled. When I first read the series my son was only 3 years old. I knew that I would introduce him to the world of Harry Potter but I had to bide my time and wait until he was ready.
This year my son turned 9 and I knew it was time. I recently finished reading the series out loud to him and he is hooked. Not only do I want to thank you for helping me solidify the love of reading in him and expand his imagination; but thank you for allowing me to show him a side of myself that, as a mom, I don’t normally show.
My usual range of mom emotion involves joy, happiness and pride at the things my boys say and do that make me laugh or warms my heart. There are lots of hugs, kisses and snuggles in our house along with a lot of frustration, melt downs, time outs and angry mom face. It’s not very often that I am able to show a side of myself that isn’t kid-centric.
As we read the books together my son saw me get choked up when Harry had to face Voldemort in the graveyard. He saw me weep at Dumbledor’s funeral and again when Harry laid Dobby in the ground. And when Harry walked to his death in the forbidden forrest…forget about it. I had to stop multiple times because my voice wouldn’t work. I found myself reading and snuggling next to my first born; the one we brought into this world in fear and awe, the one we watched struggle with Sensory Processing Disorder then cautiously rejoiced as we all learned how to grow through it. The one in which I agonized over which pre-school to send him to then forced ourselves to step back and watch him navigate the unknown waters of grade school. This boy that has a difficult time showing his own genuine emotion, snuggled next to me as we watched another boy face his greatest fears. Tears flowed down my face as I read to him how Harry found comfort in the love of his parents in his darkest hour.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share this special time with my son. A time when we stopped focusing on ourselves and our own selfish needs and desires and found ourselves a part of another world. I have my own Harry, my second born, who will be ready to meet Harry Potter and his friends in a few years. I can’t wait to experience this all over again with him.
So thank you, thank you for helping me show a side of myself to my son that stays hidden most of the time.
Best Regards,
Stephanie
Katie @ Pick Any Two
I can’t wait to read the Harry Potter series with my son (not for many years, as he isn’t even 2 yet, but I’m still excited!). I love your perspective on it. Books bring out such a range of emotions in me, and I love the idea of using them as an avenue for sharing different sides of myself with my kids.
Chris Carter
OH this is just such a great letter Stephanie!!! My daughter has started reading the series… and much to my shame, I haven’t even read the books! I just adore that you have embraced those precious moments together in another world… what a cherished memory you have made. <3
Mae
We are huge fans of Harry Potter. My sister learned to read by listening to the books on CD and following along in the hard copy. My son started using deap breathing to calm down because that is what Harry did at the beginning of book 5. I have listened to the audiobooks twice through with my kids. Reading is powerful.
Stephanie Clinton
I’ve heard that the audio books are amazing. How cool that your sister learned to read from them., that will make a life long impression.
Isn’t it amazing how stories like HP can shape our lives? Thank you for sharing!
Friday Five - Five Re-Reads - Hugs, Kisses and Snot
[…] a second time reading out loud to Addison. Reading it as a parent is powerful. Last year I wrote an open letter to J.K. Rowling explaining how special that experience was to me. The imagery and symbolism in the book is so […]