Points of Light

About the Book

This amazing collection of personal moments covers the gamut of human experience, ranging from the profound to some very practical life lessons. Every piece is a gem in its own right, shared by real people in their own words. The project was the inspiration of the editor, Judi Cumming, but was only possible throught generous contributions of 34 individuals who wrote the stories and poems, which make up this anthology. The title is descriptive of the content. Every one of these real life experiences describes the light of understanding resulting from an "Aha!" moment of clarity. In every case the author has been moved and changed by the experience. We are privileged to share each of these revelations, whether they be the lessons taught by the death of a parent, the shedding of years of repression or fear, the joy of special accomplishments or simply the recognition that the grass only "looks" greener on the other side of the fence.

The contributors are ordinary people living what we call normal lives. None are famous or heroic in the usual sense yet each is tremendously brave and generous in sharing these most personal thoughts and experiences. Mostly they are Canadians, young and old, male and female, highly educated and not. They are real people whose real experiences have moved and influenced them in unforgettable ways. The reader should not expect to finish this book without a tingle up the spine or a tear in the eye. Some of the writers come from a strong religious tradition, but many others espouse alternative spirituality while still others apparently hold no beliefs of this nature at all. Still, each one was moved deeply, to the point that in some cases, events of 50 and more years ago hold an "as if it happened yesterday" reality for them. Readers are invited to sip at this offering, savouring each essay or poem and letting it stimulate thoughts and memories, perhaps even revealing some of their own "Points of Light" and the will to embrace them.

About the Author