What was it like last night for my husband, Kevin Lewis, when he heard Chelsea Clinton say those words about his book, CHUGGA CHUGGA CHOO CHOO…
“Those of you who know me know that I’m not particularly savvy when it comes to social media, but I’ll risk it because having a book I wrote mentioned during such a historic event in such a touching way is…
Well, I can’t quite find the word for it.
I can say that it totally represents what I value in books for the very young – and that’s their ability to help parents (and grandparents) create special moments they can share with their children (and grandchildren) over and over again. The very idea that a grandmother uses a book about trains to create that bond with her granddaughter is exhilarating. It makes me feel like I’ve helped create something pure, and it says a lot about how far we’ve come in creating a world with more opportunities than obstacles.
The fact that this particular grandmother is the first woman to receive a nomination from a major party is, frankly, humbling.
So if this was all there was to say, it would be enough. It would be more than enough. But the fact that this first female nominee from a major political party uses my words – words written by the grandson of sharecroppers and the product of head start and need-based college grants. Words written by a survivor of some of the worst that systemic racism has to offer. Words written by a man who was only able to marry the love of his life five years ago. She uses my words to bond with her granddaughter… well, what’s the word for that?
The only one I can think of is American. I had forgotten how powerful and wonderful that word can be.
