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The Cornell Effect: A Family's Journey towards Happiness, Fulfillment and Peace
Perfect for fans of Marie Killilea's Karen and Linda Atwell's Loving Raising a Daughter with Special Needs
"Readers of this father’s inspiring memoir of a foster son beating the odds will be counting their blessings through their tears." —BookLife
Sometimes the most important lessons we learn in life are taught from the children we care for.
Born three and half months early, weighing in at one pound and nine ounces, orphaned Cornell Richardson was fighting for his life.
Spending the first six months of his life in the NICU at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, the premature infant's survival was stacked against the odds—prognosis was bleak. But Occupational Therapist, Kim Cranham knew better and convinced her husband to bring the boy into their home and hearts to foster and care for the child.
But the battle had only just begun...
Author John C. Cranham takes readers on a journey through darkness and gloom to a future of brightness and hope for one family. With courage, inspiration, and perseverance, the young couple set out on a quest to save a child, but the reality remains, the boy saved the Cranhams in the process.
Chronicling 25 years as parents and caregivers, Cranham guides his readers through the lessons and principles that he and his wife learned from Cornell, resulting in a more peaceful, blissful, and content life. With tears in your eyes and hope in your hearts, you'll learn the true meaning of The Cornell Effect.
"Readers of this father’s inspiring memoir of a foster son beating the odds will be counting their blessings through their tears." —BookLife
Sometimes the most important lessons we learn in life are taught from the children we care for.
Born three and half months early, weighing in at one pound and nine ounces, orphaned Cornell Richardson was fighting for his life.
Spending the first six months of his life in the NICU at Children's Hospital of the King's Daughters, the premature infant's survival was stacked against the odds—prognosis was bleak. But Occupational Therapist, Kim Cranham knew better and convinced her husband to bring the boy into their home and hearts to foster and care for the child.
But the battle had only just begun...
Author John C. Cranham takes readers on a journey through darkness and gloom to a future of brightness and hope for one family. With courage, inspiration, and perseverance, the young couple set out on a quest to save a child, but the reality remains, the boy saved the Cranhams in the process.
Chronicling 25 years as parents and caregivers, Cranham guides his readers through the lessons and principles that he and his wife learned from Cornell, resulting in a more peaceful, blissful, and content life. With tears in your eyes and hope in your hearts, you'll learn the true meaning of The Cornell Effect.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 19, 2021
5 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 23, 2021
Cornell's story is very inspiring. He (and his family) have overcome so many struggles -- medical, racial, interpersonal, internal, educational... I am awed by their persistence and how far they have come. If we all had Cornell's attitude, the world would be a much better place. I appreciate the author's openness about his struggles and love, and the honesty with which his daughter's approached their feelings of guilt -- however unfounded. Wow.
So why only 4 out of 5 stars? At times, I felt like the book became preachy about living 100% and achieving your full potential. While that is important, we do need to strike the balance that makes us each happy. I think THAT is why Cornell seems happy where he is -- because he is doing what he needs to do be fully happy -- not that I am trying to speak for him, and I could be wrong. But we don't need to push ourselves so much that we lose time with those we love or doing things we get fulfillment from. I see that philosophy in his approach to life.
Recommended reading.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions above are my own.
So why only 4 out of 5 stars? At times, I felt like the book became preachy about living 100% and achieving your full potential. While that is important, we do need to strike the balance that makes us each happy. I think THAT is why Cornell seems happy where he is -- because he is doing what he needs to do be fully happy -- not that I am trying to speak for him, and I could be wrong. But we don't need to push ourselves so much that we lose time with those we love or doing things we get fulfillment from. I see that philosophy in his approach to life.
Recommended reading.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All opinions above are my own.
June 19, 2021
This book shares the story of a little boy with disabilities, lucky enough to be adopted by caring parents. As a reader, you are exposed to their daily life, their struggles and successes. Cornell, does not let his disabilities get in his way. This way of thinking has been ingrained in him by his parents since the very beginning and it has allowed him to flourish and grow. This book is an inspirational read for any family raising a child with disabilities. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 22, 2022
Inspiring Read!
I don't even remember why I downloaded this book, but it has been one of the best choices of my life. I have a son, now 50, who has special needs, and he is my greatest joy. He has accomplished things many said were impossible, has a wonderful personality and gr3at wit, and thevkid they said would never do math does it in his head. I'm so proud God chose me for this journey with him.
I don't even remember why I downloaded this book, but it has been one of the best choices of my life. I have a son, now 50, who has special needs, and he is my greatest joy. He has accomplished things many said were impossible, has a wonderful personality and gr3at wit, and thevkid they said would never do math does it in his head. I'm so proud God chose me for this journey with him.
November 15, 2022
inspiring
My mom convinced me to read this and I’m so grateful for the inspiration. I grew up in the area of Virginia where the story is based which charmed me. But the heartfelt words of this story told in an easy candor, it draws you in before you realize what’s happening. You find yourself invested in this little boy, this family and the young man he becomes.
My mom convinced me to read this and I’m so grateful for the inspiration. I grew up in the area of Virginia where the story is based which charmed me. But the heartfelt words of this story told in an easy candor, it draws you in before you realize what’s happening. You find yourself invested in this little boy, this family and the young man he becomes.
June 14, 2022
awesome
This is the most inspiring book I have read that is not my Bible. What an amazing family and an amazing young man! God has surely blessed all of you. Thank you for writing this.
This is the most inspiring book I have read that is not my Bible. What an amazing family and an amazing young man! God has surely blessed all of you. Thank you for writing this.
May 17, 2023
Lovely Grit
This is a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, it is our choice how to react. This book reminds us to look beyond the surface with eyes of the heart and to give it all you've got no matter what you've got.
This is a reminder that no matter what life throws at us, it is our choice how to react. This book reminds us to look beyond the surface with eyes of the heart and to give it all you've got no matter what you've got.
March 23, 2021
Loved, loved, loved this book! So incredibly heartwarming and inspiring and just an overall amazing story. Everyone could use the Cornell Effect in their life
August 31, 2021
A heartwarming read that brought me to tears multiple times, highly recommend !
January 5, 2022
4.5/5: A fantastic and moving story of positivity, possibility and living life to the fullest.
July 31, 2021
I loved this book, because I hate to be told that I can’t do something. This family is just like that. The entire family raises and nurtures a special needs child who had been abandoned by his mother, because she couldn’t care for him. They had the resources to care for Cornell, and they took advantage of all of them to successfully raise a child doctors said would never walk, talk, or do anything. Cornell is a survivor and I loved cheering for him. I would definitely recommend this book and would love to see a sequel! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 3, 2021
"The Cornell Effect" is infectious. Written in its pages is little other than positivity. When you notice a shift from the negativity of the world to the positivity of Cornell, you'll notice a difference in yourself and your day. Written by Dr. John Cranham, "The Cornell Effect" is about the adoption and consequential struggles that John faced when his wife Kim, an occupational therapist at the local hospital, fell in love with a one-pound baby who had to rely on a trachea to breathe through. Cornell had every odd against him; everyone assumed he wouldn't make it, or at the least, it would be a long and difficult road. Through sheer determination to prove the medical team wrong, along with a sincere belief that Cornell had what it takes to succeed, John and Kim brought home a child that would ultimately change their lives for the best.
Throughout the book, John records moments regarding Cornell that show where he may be lacking in academic intelligence due to being born three months premature, he excels over the best in social intelligence, self-confidence, perseverance, and the biggest of hearts. Within the pages are many themes; faith, racism, intellectual differences, and understanding your worth are among a few of them. There are so many great references that "The Cornell Effect" makes for a great and effective pep talk through life. Cornell was able to contribute to situations through his positive energy and unique outlook on life; this is an outlook that many more people should adopt!
Cranham picked the right situation for each chapter, it pertained to the overall theme of the chapter, and there was always a moral to take away. Cornell has done so much good for others; one of my favorite stories was when he hit golf balls to raise money for his cousin. Several of the stories had my eyes welling up because of the goodness being displayed. I never noticed myself feeling anything other than happiness while reading through the pages, and the desire to better myself. Having similar spiritual beliefs, I appreciated the emphasis that Dr. Cranham placed on that aspect of their lives. It is refreshing to hear people who take what is given to them and not complain about what could have been while blaming God for everything bad that has happened.
Even though the book is shorter, it is packed with important life lessons that are family-friendly. Not everyone's story will turn out as well as Cornell and John's, but for these two, God knew what he was doing amid uncertainty. "The Cornell Effect" is recommended to literally everyone!
Throughout the book, John records moments regarding Cornell that show where he may be lacking in academic intelligence due to being born three months premature, he excels over the best in social intelligence, self-confidence, perseverance, and the biggest of hearts. Within the pages are many themes; faith, racism, intellectual differences, and understanding your worth are among a few of them. There are so many great references that "The Cornell Effect" makes for a great and effective pep talk through life. Cornell was able to contribute to situations through his positive energy and unique outlook on life; this is an outlook that many more people should adopt!
Cranham picked the right situation for each chapter, it pertained to the overall theme of the chapter, and there was always a moral to take away. Cornell has done so much good for others; one of my favorite stories was when he hit golf balls to raise money for his cousin. Several of the stories had my eyes welling up because of the goodness being displayed. I never noticed myself feeling anything other than happiness while reading through the pages, and the desire to better myself. Having similar spiritual beliefs, I appreciated the emphasis that Dr. Cranham placed on that aspect of their lives. It is refreshing to hear people who take what is given to them and not complain about what could have been while blaming God for everything bad that has happened.
Even though the book is shorter, it is packed with important life lessons that are family-friendly. Not everyone's story will turn out as well as Cornell and John's, but for these two, God knew what he was doing amid uncertainty. "The Cornell Effect" is recommended to literally everyone!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews