A father extols the qualities that gave his son Alan the ability to achieve in remarkable ways and to inspire and encourage others. Nursing a feeble baby bird weeks before Alan's birth seemed to presage the author and his wife Gwen's nurturing of their firstborn son, a frail child with difficulties in mobility. Yet, the boy was remarkably quick to learn and was able to communicate at an early age. Although he continued to display physical weaknesses that baffled medical experts, Alan's sharp intellect was apparent during his early years.

Unusually articulate, Alan also excelled in school. However, by seventh grade he required a wheelchair. His diminished motor abilities caused problems at school, but he continued to perform well academically. He chose a private Catholic high school that afforded more opportunities for advancement, always determined to be the best in his class. He successfully participated in wheelchair sports, became an outstanding member of the Quiz Bowl team, won fifth and then first place in a school writing competition, and became editor-in-chief of the school newspaper. He received the highest recognition of achievement that the school awarded, scored in the top one percent on his SAT, and would attend the University of Michigan. Throughout the years, though, there were emergency trips to the hospital when Alan's life seemed to hang in the balance, contrasted with equally sudden recoveries, often seemingly aided by simple but involving conversation, reinvigorating the young man's thinking capacity and interest in life and living.

Freelance writer Omilian, a director of information systems for a global corporation, is often invited to speak at business seminars. Here he speaks as a parent and as someone involved in an intimate spiritual journey impelled by the example of his son, who, it is plain from his description, could have risen to great heights were it not for the physical disabilities that continually sapped his energies. The author has devised nine insights that form the basis for nine of the book's dynamic chapters. In each instance, examples from Alan's hard-fought struggles against adversity demonstrate the principles that Omilian espouses: respond to difficulties in a defining way; nurture hope; make choices "from the heart;" look and listen for angels in our lives; live our dreams, not our troubles; avoid isolation; find life force; live in awe and wonderment, without trying to predict our life's journey; and embrace that journey.

There were many angels in Alan's journey, strangers who prayed for him in the hospital or simply talked to him in such a way that his mind became engaged and his physical symptoms miraculously abated. One angel was Lilli, the Omilians' adopted Chinese baby. She immediately focused love on Alan, who reciprocated openheartedly to his new sibling. Omilian openly and honestly recalls his fears and the many tears, as well as the strength and optimism that opened in his years with Alan. His vivid recollections will undoubtedly provide hope and genuine spiritual solace to any family member facing similar trials. His book will also benefit any thoughtful reader seeking motivation to overcome barriers and live life more fully.

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