There's still time to give Mom a great story for Mother's Day

There are stories about Moms and then there are stories about Moms that make you want to call your Mom to say, “Thank you for everything.” Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother, written by former Illinois resident Kurt Sipolski, is the kind of story that will inspire you to call your Mom. 

Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother has already been optioned by actress Ksneia Solo, who plans to produce and star in the film. What makes the book so inspiring is that it’s a story that has played out for generations. An ambitious mother sets aside her dreams to care for her child(ren). In this case, her child has polio, which presents special challenges that Iris and her family meet head on.

Described on Amazon.com as “Too ambitious for her small Illinois town, Iris is determined to see the world with Washington, DC as the first stop. Her plans are curtailed when she marries a handsome young soldier and though apart for long stretches by WWII, they have two boys. Tragically widowed and back home, her youngest in braces from polio, Iris prepares herself for the challenges ahead.”

Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother was inspired by Kurt’s eulogy for his mother. After a lifetime of loving and supporting all her children, Iris died 50 years to the day that Kurt was diagnosed with polio. The feedback for his words was so overwhelmingly positive that Kurt decided to fictionalize the story in book form. The novella, priced at just $2.99, has received rave reviews. After reading the reviews on Amazon.com, here’s my favorite line from reviewer Alexander Yaron “Peregrinus”. The review, entitled “An epic in mocrocosm”, states “This tale is about family and that means all aspects of human personality from generosity to jealousy, from great sacrifice to pettiness, from great hurt to forgiveness, but in the end it is love that is the prime mover.”

It’s the story of a fictionalized Iris helping her son Gray become the best adult he could be, despite his polio diagnosis. In the end, it’s a love story between a Mom and her child. Polio causes a crisis for the family, but this is the story about how families come together and overcome obstacles. When the Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother was initially released, Kurt did several heartfelt interviews. These stories really give you a sense of the strength and character Iris instilled in her son: 

Thanksgiving Memory: Mom Gives Up Dreams to Help Polio-Stricken Son to Walk

Polio survivor’s book reveals the trials of a polio mom

Too Early for Flowers: The Story of a Polio Mother is the perfect gift for your Mom this Mother’s Day. Every Mom will appreciate the novella with a lovely note letting her know that you recognize her strength in Iris.

Disclosure:  None, but whenever I write about a book people assume I received something for the story. This is a lovely story that deserves to be shared.