The love for books and Grandparents

(Photo found here)

I've always wondered where I got my love for reading. My parents don't read much and I wouldn't consider them book lovers or book worms. I, for one, am a book worm. Actually, no one in my family likes to read or reads regularly. So, with no example or influence from my parents or from my family, I've always wondered where I got it from.

I grew up watching Matilda and was obliged to read when I was in primary school, but I always enjoyed it because they let us choose what book we wanted to read (something that's not really happening now in secondary school). Maybe I got it from there. But now that I'm in Holland and now that I'm old enough to speak with my grandma in a more serious tone because I'm much older, I think I know where I get it from.

Me and my grandma were drinking a cup of coffee and talking about books, and I always remember her old house and this "new" one stacked with books. She even ran out of space and doesn't know where to keep them all, just like me. I remember by grandpa also used to read a lot, and I remember watching them when I was little when they were reading quietly, sometimes while he smoked his delicious-smelling pipe. I wish I could have spoken to my grandpa about books and about the war just like I can with my grandma. They both lived the war and have a first-person experience.

I wish I knew dutch so I could speak with them in their native language. I'm already too late with my grandpa but I still have time with my grandma. I hope so. But learning dutch isn't a very easy thing. I have perfect consciousness that when my grandma will pass away, I'm never coming back to Holland. I was only close with my grandparents just like my dad. That's why I want to come here more often, so I can spend more time with my grandma and because she feels lonely, which is a natural thing. It can't be easy living five years without the person you've shared most of your life with.

Anyway. I think I know where I get it from now. I get it from my dutch grandparents. My grandma even admited that she was very sorry that her other grandchildren, three boys, weren't into reading at all. But I do, Oma and Opa, I do. And thank you. Having a love for books is a wonderful thing, and you know they can almost be like a best friend to you when you feel lonely.

- Ana