Finished Be Quiet and Listen by Sheldon Larmore. I received a copy from the author. Click here to learn more about Sheldon Larmore.
Summary (from Goodreads):
“What do you and your wife know about your son’s condition?’ Dr. Davis asked. ‘Very little, ‘ I said. ‘However, we’ve been told not to worry too much about it.’ Dr. Davis looked at me a second or two before commenting further. This was a definite clue to brace myself for what would follow. ‘Your son was born with Spina Bifida.’ There was a noticeable concern in his voice. ‘What is Spina Bifida?’ I asked. This is a real life story about a young man, David, born with Spina Bifida with multiple congenial birth defects. After David’s birth, his parents were strongly urged to place him in an institution since his future, according to medical history of these types of births prior to 1970, would be dim. His parents were warned he most likely would be severely retarded and non-functional. They were told by a prominent pediatrician to expect nothing and appreciate anything. Through infancy until the day of his death, David’s faith and love for God grew stronger each year. His drive and his belief in God’s healing grace brought him much comfort and a desire to help and serve others. This young man touched a whole community, a whole region. David’s father, Sheldon Larmore, never thought of writing a book. However, after his son’s death many people in the community encouraged him to put the story of David’s life in writing. It wasn’t until he received several gentle nudges from God to do so that he realized the need to complete this book. David’s life has served as an inspiration for his family and friends-it will do the same for you. You will find encouragement, strength, and renewed faith in Be Quiet and Listen.”
I didn’t know David Larmore or his parents (Sheldon and Sara Belle) but we have several people in common. Several of my mom’s friends are friends with the Larmores and her cousin Holly was one of David’s close friends. (She’s actually mentioned in the book, picture and everything!) Between that, the fact that the book is set in my hometown (and partially in my current town) and the added bonus that David and I are both graduates of Parkside High School, I felt that I did know David.
And (if you will forgive the cliche) knowing David means loving David.
I think it would be incredibly easy for David to be hostile and bitter given the huge obstacles he had to overcome. As the synopsis says, he was born with spina bifida, which led to a host of other physical challenges (he was paralyzed and had bladder and bowel issues and spent a lot of time in hospitals). This could work to make the best person or the worst person, you know? But in David’s case, it made the best person.
His parents were Christian but David had a different relationship with God. It sounds completely hokey but I believe David was put here to serve as an example to people. Like I said, I didn’t know him, but it’s clear that he made a huge difference in the lives of people who met him—the kind of difference that most of us can only hope to make.
And at its core, this is a love story. The devotion that Sheldon and Sara Belle had for David (and the devotion he felt for them in return) is awe-inspiring and humbling.
The Larmores have established a fund in David’s honor that will help people in similar situations pay for medical equipment.
Should you be so moved, click here to donate to the David Larmore Memorial Fund (specify that’s what it’s for under “Other”). Click here to learn more about it.
KellyVision 