SPECIAL TO THE JOURNAL:

At the Luverne Kiwanis Club meeting on April 5, special guests of Kiwanian Sheila Sasser were Lilly Henderson-Harold, Ray Harold and Bonnie Armstrong.

Henderson-Harold has recently published an autobiography, entitled “Memories to Cling.” She was born in Luverne and graduated from Luverne High School. She recounted many stories of growing up here with four older brothers, having polio and how she was able to continue her school work from home and graduate with her class.

The book covers 30 years of her life, which includes, in spite of having polio at age 10, being kept alive in iron lungs, graduating high school, college training, marriage, the birth of a child while she was on a ventilator, careers in Independent Living and Rehabilitation Services and the joy of  grandchildren.  Throughout this time there were many obstacles to overcome and triumphs in her life journey.

Ray Harold shared that she has not walked since she was 10 and has also been in hospitals much of her life. The doctors told them many times that she would not live, but she surprised them all. The one thing that sustains them through all of this is a deep abiding faith in God.

Henderson-Harold and her husband now reside in Montgomery. They both are medically retired and use power wheelchairs for mobility. She is on a portable ventilator 24/7.

She said her book is one of encouragement for people with disabilities, those who work in advocacy and the general public. To quote her, “Life is still good”.

The book can be purchased at the Mitchell Art Gallery and at 91 on Main. They can also be ordered by calling 334-215-3744 and it would be $20 per book plus $4 for postage.