It started with an e-mail from my 8-year old cousin, Gavin. His subject line announced "exciting news." When I read his message, I was exceptionally pleased.
Gavin had written a letter to the president that had been included in the book, "Kids' Letters to President Obama." He mentioned that the book was available in bookstores, and that his letter was on page 61. He wrote, "I hope that you can read it sometime and let me know what you think of it."
I responded immediately, congratulating him on the publication of his letter. I said I'd pick up a copy of the book, and hoped that someday he'd autograph it for me. I wrote, "I am so very proud of you."
The next morning, I went to Hastings and bought a copy of "Kids' Letters to President Obama." Unable to wait until I got home, I sat in my car in the parking lot, opened the book to page 61 and read.
"Dear President Obama,
"I have a few questions for you.
Can you lower college prices? I think they are way too expensive. I care because I am going to college and I don't want to be poor.
Can you lower gas prices to 1 cent? If we all have to pay $50 to get gas, we will end up not having any money for food and water. I care because when I grow up, I might have to handle this situation.
My three-year old sister wants me to ask you if you know about Pokemon. Even though I like Pokemon, I kind of think it's a dumb question.
Gavin, age 8
Chicago, IL"
Gavin's letter — the thought pattern, the issues, the inclusion of his sister Mallory's question — raised my spirits. Those words on the page were so like him, his character, his qualities. I closed the book and headed home.
Consider this child, his whole life ahead of him, with so much information to gather and so many decisions to make. Gavin knows me as a cousin, "Judy from Texas." We sit near one another at family dinners so we can converse.
At one dinner, he asked if I wanted him to recite the 50 states and their capitals. Given the go-ahead, he worked his way from the Pacific Northwest, down the coast and then across the United States, saving Alaska and Hawaii for last. He was 4 years old. He had been reading since he was 3.
Gavin now attends the Edison Regional Gifted Center, where he studies math, science, reading, writing and French. He takes piano lessons, is learning how to play tennis and is involved in the city-wide American Youth Soccer Organization. When we're together, I enjoy his humor and playfulness. He is a good boy.
Is this nature, nurture or a winning combination of the two? I'm very fond of Gavin's parents and may not be objective, but I do recognize focused, well-behaved children when I meet them. Good behavior reflects good parenting.
As Gavin's long-distance "Judy from Texas," my plan is to be a good cousin and an even better friend — show affection, listen, encourage, advise when asked and be there when needed. That's my best shot.
I've continued reading "Kids' Letters to President Obama." More than 2,000 letters were submitted for this project. Close to 200 were accepted. The children's messages, so direct and sincere, add balance to a world that's a bit out of kilter. There is reason to hope.
"Kids' Letters to President Obama" is edited by Bill Adler and Bill Adler Jr.
To quote Gavin, "This book is now available in bookstores and Amazon."
