Write Team: What if you were learning to read at age 98?

George Dawson, grandson of slaves, was born in 1898 in Marshall, Texas. He had to go to work as a boy, to help support his family, so he was never able to attend school. He traveled extensively in his 20s, then became a hard-working family man. He and his wife raised seven children and made sure they all went to school and did well.

He had to pay careful attention and memorize a lot things to get by without being able to read. He excelled in his job at a dairy, working the machinery, because he was resourceful and paid attention to how things were put together.

He assumed his opportunity for schooling had passed, until years after retirement he was invited to join an adult literacy class.

He thought, why not? He was tired of just fishing.

His classmates were generally high school dropouts wanting to earn their GED, or even kids who’d graduated but still weren’t able to read. They weren’t always the most motivated, until George joined their class. He inspired them by his perseverance and perfect attendance.

Of course, it’s not easy to learn new things as an older adult. He had to work extra hard. The young students decided that if this old man could show up every day eager to study, they could, too.

He also served as a living history lesson for them. He would talk about different events that happened during his long life and the kids would get curious and go look up the details.

George’s accomplishments attracted the attention of news reporters and he began to field interviews from all over the country. As a result, a teacher in Washington State, Richard Glaubman, summoned the courage to go visit him.

Their subsequent frequent and extensive conversations led them to write a book together, the story of George’s life, titled “Life is So Good.”

Most books I don’t read more than once. I just finished reading this book a second time and I’m sure it won’t be my last time. It is that worthwhile, on so many levels.

For one, it’s a gripping story. From the first heartbreaking (no, honestly appalling) chapter, through his childhood in a strong and warm family, to his riding the rails and working as a cowboy or dockworker or whatever work he could find, the reader just keeps turning the pages to see what happens next.

It is beautiful to see his friendship with Richard unfold. The young man would bring books and articles from each decade the old man had lived through, and ask what it was like living in those times. Often George’s experiences were far-removed from what was in the mainstream news.

At one time, thinking aloud, George wonders why he has lived so long. He outlived four wives and many other family members. He came to realize that he was still alive because he had something valuable to share with people. He had wisdom and perspective to convey to people like you and me, and am I ever glad he did.

Please, just read the book. You’ll never be the same.

Winifred Hoffman, of Earlville is a farmer, breeder of dual-purpose cattle and a student of life. She can be reached at newsroom@mywebtimes.com .