I experienced years of loneliness as a child. His friends teased him about babysitting his sister and his interests were far different from mine. With no other kids of my age in the neighborhood, I had to spend hours by myself.
A bright spot for me turned out to be reading. My love of the written word began early as my mother read to me every evening. I started reading books on my own before age 5 and my mother took me to the public library once a week to borrow several books. I quickly graduated from typical children's books to ones with fewer pictures and longer chapters. Reading opened new worlds to me.
My mother also encouraged me to make what I wanted. I tried making toy cars with cardboard boxes and constructing buildings from leftover cardboard and bits of wood my father gave me. When my mother saw my creations, she told me how creative my designs were. I learned a lot about how to extend the life of objects and transform them into something new and useful. It was a trait(特点) others found helpful, and I soon had friends who wanted to make things with me.
My parents made it a point for their two kids to spend time outside, no matter the weather or season. My brother, of course, raced off to be with his friends, while I had plenty to do myself. There was making leaf houses in autumn, ice skating in winter, and so much more. They're all memories I treasure today.
A. I wasn't alone any longer.
B. I enjoyed reading stories aloud.
C. I was invited to play with another kid.
D. I loved the colorful photographs in the books.
E. Another habit I formed early was being outdoors.
F. Thus, I began my lifelong interest in making things.
G. My older brother couldn't be bothered to play with me.
