Points of View Matter (by Sydney Salter)

A few mornings ago, I handed my eighty-two-year-old mother a picture book to read. Sophie's Squash by Pat Zietlow Miller, illustrated by Anne Wilsdorf. 

It's a beautiful story about love, loss and renewal. 

My mom had been swamped in political news. And winter is coming so she'll be stuck inside and not be able to spend her days sitting in her garden.

The story shifted her perspective and mood immediately. We even planted the seeds from our biggest cucumber, the one we watched grow to its maximum ability, in honor of the story. 

Now we'll wait with hope and anticipation for the spring.  

We're all readers here. We know that stories allow us to learn about others' perspectives, in such a vital way, and I wish every human in the world read avidly. As writers, our own stories matter so much. 

Your perspective will offer someone a necessary salve someday too!