Dallas West Library

Earlier this evening, I remembered when the Dallas West Public Library opened, in 1975. The excitement of registering for a library card to check out books was a refreshing and renewing thrill. My Big Mama crossed over on July 4, 1971, which life was empty with her absence. However, beautiful memories of her are often embraced and treasured with mental visits. She blessed my life in so many wonderful ways with watching her, My Little Mama [her only daughter/Fannie Banks-Franklin (related to the professional baseball player Ernie Banks), which her father was one of Ernie's grandfather's. His name is recorded inside her obituary. For years, I wondered about the name Banks being part of her name. I know all the details about Aretha Franklin's father and My Grandfather Franklin. Likewise, for many years I wondered why the family was always playing Aretha's songs. No one bothered to share and explain the connection, but Aretha could sang! Back to the Dallas West Public Library. Reading books under the tree during each summer waiting for cheerleader camp to began at SMU for two weeks was my retreat and escape. My family had to schedule our frequent summer vacation trips to various parts of California around my cheerleader camp once I became a cheerleader. Finding a tree where I could be visible to Ms. Susie at North Hampton Recreation Center a few away from the public swimming pool was the perfect spot. The tree provided shade; therefore, as soon as my parents drove off to work I grabbed one of my books that I had checked out to read. Reading helped me to escape into knowledge beyond my surroundings. Reading about faraway places helped my journaling to escalate and expand realizing life was huge and worth discovering. Where I wasn't able to travel the books helped me to journey into faraway places and gain knowledge of high degree. It was fascinating reading all those books. Oftentimes, I would take a seat inside the Library and that was a thrill being surrounded by surrounding literary knowledge to explore, examine, and engage. To this very day, books and journaling refreshes my soul. I grew up with My Big Mama's dog named Chain, which was named after one of Aretha's popular songs and I learned how loyal and joyful dogs. As I grew and matured I always had a dog, which I enjoyed reading aloud because my dogs would listen as if they understood the communication. I know; it was the sound of my voice that captured their attention for company. Books and authors are incredible. I have one published book that made it to the Library of Congress. Although the manuscript was tampered with, which ruptured my spirit for many days; I am proud of the journey of becoming a published author.