I am late writing my entry, but lessons learned from my favorite children's book is the reason why. It is the book that teaches to always tell the ones you love "I love you".  My mother fell and I am in Florida with her, telling her I love her as her broken ribs mend.

I found this treasure of a book during my fifties, a decade ago perhaps. I'll Always Love You, by Hans Wilhelm. I believe it was published around 1985. A simple sweet story. The main character, the narrator, is a young boy who has the best dog in the whole world, Elfie. One morning Elfie does not wake up. The entire family grieves for her, but the boy finds solace in the fact he always told her how much he loved her. He is offered a new dog, but declines. He is not ready for another just yet. But when he does get a new pup, he will remember to say I love you, just as he did with Elfie.

A charming story with sweetly naive illustrations. The impact of it enormous to me. What a gift to remember to tell those we love, and maybe take for granted, that we love them. Tell them on a regular basis. It is such a simple thing, but sometimes overlooked in such a hectic world.

I have always loved children's books, more so as an adult than as a child. The books I read growing up fade when I ask myself what was my favorite?  The children's books I've discovered later in life pop into my mind immediately. The simple, eloquent, endearing books with their delightful illustrations tug at my heart and teach me more about the importance of love and friendship than any adult book I can read.

I'll Always Love You, the most perfect example to me.