As Reviewed
On Amazon.com
There are moments in life we take for granted, but if we examine them closer, we will find they were moments of absolute truth when the greatest life lessons were learned.
In 'Snapshots of Heaven: 40 Funny, Profound, Real-Life Stories About Children,' author Michael Wells says these moments come from our children, who are angels in disguise, teaching us lessons of love.
Wells shares 40 stories from his own experiences as the father of a son and daughter. He urges other parents to slow down from their busy lives and take note of the moments when they received 'snapshots of heaven' from their children.
He says the initials from the title also point to another key thing our children do for us: Save Our Hearts. Through our interactions with them, our children remind us of why we live, love and laugh.
While the individual stories from his own family are entertaining and joyful, Wells doesn't stop there. He encourages readers to cherish their children and create their own snapshots. After each section of the book, a space is provided for parents to paste in a picture and write their own story about everyday lessons they learned from their children, special occasions and growing up.
The stories are short and to the point. In each, Wells succinctly recounts a moment from his life as a parent in which he learned a profound life lesson.
Each story also contains a relatable moral truth. These stories are easy to read and can be enjoyed quickly during a few moments of reflection.
Wells reminds us that our children are treasures and we should learn from their wisdom. While we often think of adults as the ones with the life experience needed to teach children, 'Snapshots of Heaven' reminds us that it can often be the other way around. Our life experiences frequently leave us jaded, cynical and looking around the corner for the next big thing. We can end up neglecting the most important aspects of our lives and ignoring the moments that should mean the most to us.
'Snapshots of Heaven' is a delightful glimpse into these moments in one father's life and will have readers recalling their own memories of the children who have touched them. The stories within the pages of this book will make their way into your heart and soul. You will find yourself returning to them when you're in need of a little hope and inspiration, or just to put a smile on your face.
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—Mary Simmons,
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About the Book
Parents undoubtedly make an enormous impact on the lives of their children. Likewise, the unique and profound manner in which children unknowingly touch the lives of their parents is unparalleled. In his new book, Snapshots of Heaven®: 40 Funny, Profound, Real-Life Stories about Children, author Michael Wells reminds readers of the subtle and often overlooked joys of parenthood.
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| Snapshots of Heaven® is an inspirational, feel-good book that will touch the heart of anyone who loves kids. Readers from all backgrounds and walks of life are sure to find a mix of stories that will make them laugh, cry, and get goosebumps when they think of the children in their lives. A perfect gift for anyone who appreciates the joy children bring to the world, Snapshots of Heaven® gives readers a much-needed reminder to slow down and enjoy those precious moments with children, for as the author states, that’s when we truly get a glimpse of what heaven is like.
Section One of Snapshots of Heaven® is based on life’s everyday lessons, such as dealing with illness, going on business trips, cleaning up household messes, and giving goodnight kisses. Wells recounts memories that all parents share at some point with their children, such as an agonizing first trip to the emergency room with his infant son and phone calls home from a far-away business trip.
In Section Two of Snapshots of Heaven®, Wells divulges stories of special occasions like birthdays, trips to sporting events, vacations, and special games played. He shares the lessons his children taught him while attending emotional hockey games and going on unforgettable family vacations. He also recounts the pride of having your child make the sports team in school and not-so-ordinary trips to the movies.
The third section of Snapshots of Heaven® is devoted to growing up and the accompanying milestones, such as learning how to ride a bike, graduating from school, going away to visit grandparents, and high school graduation. Throughout the pages of section three, Wells revisits the memories made while letting go of his daughter’s bike for the first time and reminisces about the long-lost days of elementary school.
In addition to the heartwarming stories, Snapshots of Heaven® provides parents with an opportunity to record their own special memory. At the end of each of the three sections, readers can place a favorite photograph and document their own “Snapshot of Heaven.”
For readers whose children are grown, Snapshots of Heaven® provides a unique opportunity to reflect on their most precious memories. For those whose kids are still in their childhood and teenage years, the book gently reminds readers to cherish every moment and focus a little less on their careers and the bottom line. Snapshots of Heaven®: 40 Funny, Profound, Real-Life Stories about Children provides an entertaining and inspirational opportunity to celebrate the gift of children and what they teach us all.
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Read a couple of stories from the book:
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Take a few moments to celebrate the gift of childhood. And share this treasure with others who love children: Fathers and mothers, grandparents, uncles and aunts, family friends, teachers and coaches, everyone who cares about kids will revel in Snapshots of Heaven. |
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| "Just read one of these stories by Michael Wells, and you'll never again wonder what life is all about." |
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Rabbi Leigh Lerner
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