Oh, one more thing. I don't believe that it's a coincidence that I wrote the article and it was scheduled to be posted on Veterans' Day. The subject of the article, my initial inspiration for writing, was/is my grandfather, a WWII veteran. Thank you, Grover Whaley Droze, for the stories, love and the inspiration! Though he passed long ago, he is still a giant in my eyes and heart.
Thanks for the comments. I love that some of you were inspired to read because people read to you. Sandie, Fun with Dick and Jane was the first book I read by myself, too! Thanks for the "congrats," Cecilia. I also had an English teacher who added inspiration to write poetry in later years. Thanks to you all for posting. And good luck in the contest!