Not to Worry, Mom, I'm Okay: Lessons in Living from a Beloved Son

by Karma Smith Belnap

When Karma Belnap's infant son, Lee, was diagnosed with a deadly lung disease, she was devastated. Then reaching deep inside for the faith and courage to deal with this heartbreaking challenge, she pledged herself to making Lee's life as normal happy, and productive as possible. Thus began her unique journey toward a triumph of the spirit--a triumph not only for Lee, but for Karma, her husband Kay, and their other six children. As she tenderly relates Lee's story, Karma also reveals valuable lessons and insights that can be used by any family to strengthen their bonds of love and commitment even in the face of overwhelming challenges. Her daily struggles developed within her an extraordinary capacity to love, serve, and nurture each member of her family, while caring for Lee and fulfilling demanding church and community responsibilities. In the end, her family grew closer together because of Lee's life and indomitable spirit. Whatever their heartaches, disappointments, or challenges, families can use the heart touching insights in this book to make life better, richer, more rewarding. And in the process, they'll come to now and appreciate Lee for the extraordinary individual he was.

227 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1996

Reviews

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my Grandma's book about my Uncle Lee who died of Cystic Fibrosis. Pretty cool to find it on here.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My Grandma wrote this book and it is awesome! I would recommend you read it.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my absolutely favorite books!

[Janette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very well written account of one family's experience with Cystic Fibrosis. While I don't know the Belnap family and believe the author has since passed away herself, it was still worth the read. Although Lee ultimately lost his battle with C/F, seeing how one family faced their difficulties and persevered is still inspiring, and it's comforting to know that Karma and Kay have since been reunited with their son, Lee, in a much better place.

[Katelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about a family that has a son affected by a disease called cystic fibrosis. The story is told through the eyes of the mother, because the son died in the 1990's. I truly loved this book, even though it took me a while to get through it.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a woman I met in Boise. A very real account of raising a child with a terminal illness.

[Tammy Low · Rating 3 out of 5]

A heart wrenching mother's account of her son, born in 1963 with cystic fibrosis. The battle that Karma and Lee wage against this fatal disease is truly inspirational. And heart breaking.