Influence

       Have you ever been caught in a blizzard that you cannot see 1 foot in front of you.  Add that to being out in the middle of no where and the temperature turns way below zero. The worst storm of the century and what do you do?

      I read a wonderful book a few years ago, which I recommend to young and old alike it's called “BLIZZARD”  by LR Lehmann.  It is a true story of an incredible human being.  I suspect it will change your life.  It changed mine. 

     Michael, who lost his mother at age 10, had to quit school because his father, who wasted his money drinking, lost their home and the two of them worked as dishwashers on a river boat for board and room.  What he does with his life is an inspiration to the world.

     When I read stories of real life heroes, it inspires me to want to be a better, stronger more courageous person.  It’s not just the disadvantages this young man had, but the courage he mustered when all the adults in his community gave up on him, that makes him a hero.  Where did he get this courage?  His mother inspired him at a very young age.  He wouldn’t give up on life just because of his disabilities even though everyone else did. 

     The book taught me, as a mother the incredible responsibility I have to inspire all children around me.  Just one phrase, can change a child’s life forever.  This book proves that point so well.  We never know the influence we can have on the children we meet in life.

This would be a great summer reading book for the whole family.