The Holiday Party Season has officially begun. Last night, while getting ready for Party #1, I found a TV show playing a taped interview with Christopher Reeve (post-accident). When asked what makes a hero, he said “I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
I liked that he said ordinary individuals. I especially liked it because today is Giveaway Day , courtesy of Seal Press. And, the book up for grabs is all about perseverance.
Mamalita is Jessica O’Dwyer’s memoir about the overwhelming process that she and her husband went through to adopt their Guatemalan-born daughter. My favorite books are true stories. This one is really interesting, maddening, and joyous…all at the same time.
For the chance to win a free copy of the book, enter your answer to the following question in the comments area above. The winner will be selected at random and announced on The Chameleon’s Backbone on Friday. Also, check out the video below where you can hear in Jessica’s own voice about the conditions she faced during the adoption process.
Thinking about perseverance…
I would go through hell and back for ______________________.
Right now, my answer is a peanut butter and chocolate chunk cookie. Under less sugar-craving circumstances, my answer would be True Love.
The Chameleon's Backbone 
Posted by Leslie on December 6, 2010 at 2:06 pm
to defend family values
Posted by Val on December 6, 2010 at 2:08 pm
the right to life
Posted by Heather on December 6, 2010 at 2:11 pm
This question is hard. In this very moment, a cup of coffee!!!
Posted by Cindy on December 6, 2010 at 9:37 pm
….sorry to post without directy answering your question, but I don’t think we get to choose what we go to hell and back for. An example to explain what I mean: I have a friend who is in a hellish place, recent miscarriage, just beginning down the road to discover what fertility issues she may be facing. It’s heart-breaking to hear, made more so because I’ve been to hell and back down that path. So I would say I’ll only go to hell and back the next time a challenge of that magnitude presents itself. For now, I look for the heaven on earth moments that make my heart sing with peaceful joy.
Posted by Claire on December 7, 2010 at 3:58 pm
… for my kids and I do, frequently!!