Nearly 30 years ago, when my son Alex was just a little boy – and I only dreamed about writing a book – I always loved reading to him before bedtime. One of his favorite storybooks as a young child was The Little Engine That Could – the classic American folktale of the little engine that wasn’t afraid to try.
“I think I can! I think I can!” proclaimed the engine, as it worked diligently to pull its trainload of toys over the mountain – reminding us all that we’re all capable of making difficult things happen. But they don’t just happen automatically: Most often, it takes hard work, perseverance, and believing in yourself, among other things.
Fast forward to August 2009: I “thought I could” and actually did publish my own “little book”: a 335-page memoir of family, faith, and fortitude called Nine M’s and a Mother Like No Other: Our Journey from Messed to Blessed. Fifteen years later, writing this deeply personal and heartfelt family story – and making the dream to do so a reality – remains one of the personal and professional highlights of my life.
Today – on what would be my Mother Like No Other’s 95th birthday – I mark the 15th anniversary of the release of my “little book that could” with tremendous pride and gratitude. All these years later, my family and I remain deeply humbled and touched by readers’ response to our shared story. For despite today’s polarized and challenging world, I firmly believe that people crave so many of the universal things my book is about: the love of family, the importance of faith, the power of hope, the goodness of others, and the inspiration found in overcoming the odds.
For me personally, it’s hard to believe that the little book I spent 10 years writing keeps chugging along in ways I had only hoped for when it launched 15 years ago: selling thousands of copies, honoring the people I love most, preserving our story for future generations, inspiring many readers, motivating others to want to capture and share their own stories, and even playing an important role in the work I now do.
When I took a bold leap of faith 17 months ago to begin my own communications and writing firm, I could never have imagined that now – because of my little book’s big impact – I would be joyfully helping others write, edit, and promote their own books, among other communications they are passionate about.
Gratitude, it has been said, turns everything we have into enough. How grateful I am for my incredible family, my countless blessings, the continued support and love of so many, and for the clients who have entrusted me to work with them on their own books and other stories of their heart. How thankful I am for it all.
Communications with heart is my art. If you have a story or other dream that you need help envisioning and delivering, let’s “book” some time and talk. Please explore my website (martialbednar.com) to learn more about my services and email me at martialbednar@gmail.com. I would be honored to help you produce your own little book that could – or any other communication of your heart!
Comments