专题04 阅读理解之记叙文10篇(第一期)-备战2024年高考英语名校模拟真题速递(天津专用)

备战2024年高考英语名校模拟真题速递(天津专用) 第一期 专题04 阅读理解之记叙文10篇 （2023·天津·统考二模）“Do you want to pick up your rocking chair?” A text message from a former colleague woke me from my daydreams when I was sitting in my grandpa’s oak chair having coffee. For 17 years, I taught grade one and two, and my dreams as a teacher were tied to that rocking chair. It was a magical idea to have it in my class. Every day after breaks, the class would gather around and listen to the story I was reading. When the kids were close, they found the courage to share their stories, dreams and fears. The chair was part of my job, part of me. Unfortunately, I became unwell and couldn’t keep teaching. I experienced severe depression and anxiety and was forced to leave the job. With my life as a teacher over, I needed a new path. And I didn’t have to look far. My husband and I adopted one of my former students in 2017. The arduous work of parenting a child who came to us at 9 years old changed our lives in unexpected ways. It called on the part of me that learns to be a good mother. We spent countless hours snuggling up (依偎) with books-healing, bonding and solidifying our family. This gave me a new purpose. I joined a support group of local moms. For about a year, I met with them weekly for walks or coffee. We came together to share. Then I started giving and receiving help. I gave driving practice to a single mom with her learner’s license and received emotional support in return. I also took her son on hikes around the city. Another woman encouraged me to buy a stand-up board and gave me lessons on surfing. My family, my books, finding a new purpose and belonging in a community — these are fulfilling the sense of self I used to prize as a teacher. I learned my identity doesn’t need to change. I’m still honoring those core values whether or not I’m working as a teacher. And what about that rocking chair? I looked back at the text message. My answer was no, I do not need the chair. I’ll let it go to a new teach