Over the course of this last year I have spent time listening and talking with one of our women who I have known for almost four years. But, it wasn't until recently that my listening finally translated some very specific words. Coming in one day she tearfully told me about trying to get her driver's permit. She had tried two times and failed. Struggling to understand how this could be I said, "Forgive me for asking, but do you know how to read?" "No," came her reply.

Her inability to drive affected where she lived, her employment, medical care, grocery shopping; she had to be able to walk or take the bus. But she had to know how to read to get a simple driver's permit! Reading! It is a life essential!

Finding a reading tutor for her, I sat in my office and listened as week after week the words took on meaning for her. I had never heard her laugh. Her laughter during these weeks increased! She started reading to her daughter! She found joy!

A couple of weeks ago she walked in with a huge smile, "I got my driver's permit!" This permit represents independence but also confidence in her ability to provide the essentials for herself and her little girl.

This relationship taught me a critical lesson. What seems simple and common place to me can, in fact, be a huge hurdle to others. When I didn't know how to read, you taught me.