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WTR (What’s Toby Reading)? provides unsolicited and unsponsored (I don’t get paid) opinions of books I have recently finished.
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My two-month long library HOLD for the bestselling memoir of all-time, Mitch Albom’s Tuesdays with Morrie, had ended. I was delighted.
Arriving at the library, though, I was disappointed as the pleasant Karen behind the plexiglass adorned counter appeared perplexed, “I’m sorry, Mr. Walsh, there must be a mistake. Morrie was reported lost a month ago. Looks like the wrong message was sent by the system.”
“No problem,” slumped, remained cordial and paced toward the “New Release” section to find an alternative.
“Mr. Walsh, wait! We have Mitch Albom‘s new book here. It just came in.” Karen stood holding a small, beige book outlined in maroon – entitled Finding Chika.
“Cool. Thanks.”
A Book about family – and the lack of one
As I closed Finding Chika last week, it seemed easy to write about Albom’s latest book as one about family. The more I thought about it, though, the story is really about the absence of one.
Because Albom did not start a family – a result of an enormously successful writing, reporting, and broadcasting career – he poured himself into Detrioit-based charity work.
Because of that charity work, Albom took over the management of a Hiatian Oraphanage.
And, as his Hiatian Orphanage became overrun after a devastating earthquake in 2010, Albom met a little girl, Chika, who became his family.
Chika provided Mitch Albom with the only thing he didn’t have – a family.
Chika’s Struggle with Brain Cancer
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Chika becomes the Albom’s daughter because she is need of sophisticated medical treatments for terminal brain cancer – care that could not be provided in her native Haiti. Albom writes about the treatments Chika endorsed and the vigor with which she fought. He also documents the end of her life, the lessons she taught he and his wife, and the legacy his beloved Chika created for those that mourned her loss.
The story tears at me as a dad. On numerous occasions, I wished that I could pick up the phone to make sure Albom was alright. The thought of losing a child, as the Albom’s did in Chika, makes my insides twist.
As Albom “Sees” Chika, so will you
When I reflect on Finding Chika, I can’t help but picture the little girl that Albom imagines appearing to him as he scribes her story for the world. She was silly, insistent, resilient, warm, proud, thankful, and loving – all the qualities each of us parents hope our children will possess.
When Chika appears to Albom, he seems unsure about continuing to write about the little girl he loved. Chika’s spirit, though, tells him to keep going.
When Chika appears to Albom, he’s heartbroken went she leaves.
When Chika fought cancer’s unrelenting grasp, Albom was determined to fight as hard.
Chika wouldn’t leave Albom and, as a result, her story can will live on in Finding Chika. Her story won’t leave me anytime soon.
I thought of Chika as I tucked my kids in bed tonight – having spend far too much time bickering about things like dirty clothes on their floor or if their backpack was ready for tomorrow’s early school departure.
I’m glad that Tuesdays with Morrie wasn’t at the library. I will thank Karen for recommending Albom’s other book at my next opportunity.
Most of all, though, I’m thankful that Mitch Albom had the courage to tell Chika’s story to remind all of us to count our blessings.
