Snapshots of Heaven: 40 Funny, Profound, Real-Life Stories About Children

Michael Wells
Snapshots of Heaven Publishing (2005)
ISBN 0-9737965-0-2
Reviewed by Kelli Glesige for Reader Views (4/06)

Children are really angels in disguise, teaching us lessons of love if we will listen. However, most of us are too busy to listen, spending our days living our lives and dealing with our problems. And just as we may be planning an outing with our children, we also may unfortunately find out that the kids have grown into teens and no longer want to go. “Snapshots of Heaven” encourages us to record our personal snapshot of heaven story. The initials of Snapshots of Heaven (SOH) also mean that children Save Our Hearts every day. This book is a wake-up call to remind us to cherish the treasures we have at hand. Michael Wells says, “A child’s magic seems to be their ability to bring us way back, to when we were like them and free. If God intended us to have a heart, children must have been the reason.”

Author Michael Wells, a lifelong resident of Montreal, Canada, is happily married to his American wife of 18 years, Laure, and they are the parents of 15 year old Jeremy and 13 year old Jenna. Michael has played an active role in both his children’s lives, and “Snapshots” describes many memorable moments he has shared over the years with his family.

The book is conveniently divided into three sections. Section one is aptly named Everyday Lessons, and Wells shares precious moments from a day- to-day perspective. Section two is called Special Occasions which brings to mind a holiday, special event or memorable vacation. My favorite section is the third, entitled Growing Up. Wells reflects on how quickly our children grow up and change, yet how emotions and feelings from the heart remain the same. At the end of each section is a space to insert our own actual photograph and journal entry to record.

It is my opinion you will enjoy “Snapshots of Heaven,” and it will remind you to cherish and enjoy your own children. Hold them close, laugh with them, and never stop saying “I love you.” As adults, we take life so seriously and worry about so many problems. At the end of the day, Wells encourages us to leave the battlefield of our lives and immerse ourselves in the precious, fleeting moments we can share with our children.

Each chapter of “Snapshots of Heaven” is a story in itself, a moment in time Wells wants to remember and share. You can begin or end at any chapter in the book, but I suggest reading the entire book. My hunch is that you will be reminded of a special moment you have shared with a special child. I recommend reading “Snapshots of Heaven”!

A child’s innocence and imagination is a precious thing and we can all benefit from the lessons a youngster can give us. They help us put life and living in perspective, and to recognize what is truly important in life. Only too often, we miss these moments of reality and loveliness. If you have children of any age, you should enjoy “Snapshots of Heaven.” If your children are young, you may be reminded to treasure each day and to be humored at the actions of your children. If your children are teens or are grown, you can reflect and realize how accurate Wells is in his belief that we truly do see snapshots of heaven in the most unlikely places and times. Snapshots would also make an appropriate gift for a grandparent, aunt, uncle or teacher. Enjoy!

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