Dr. Gary Axelson , Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Ret.
“Deacon Don, Congratulations on completing your labor of love. You tell an amazing story of adventure and triumph, blended with tragedy and heartache. Your remarkable grandmother found a way to cope with it all and emerge with the joys of a life lived well. Hope and love, faith and family, all helped her hone the resilience that she passed on to you. So glad you wrote her story.”
Burt Constable Featured Columnist of Daily Herald, Suburban Chicago.
“As the grandson of four Swedish immigrants and as a clinical psychologist who understands and celebrates the sheer backbone and values of people like Maja, I heartily recommend this book. It is especially timely in this year of daunting challenges. It is about a woman who refuses to stay knocked down by life, who gets back up every time and courageously puts family and others ahead of self, showing what character is all about. And leaves a loving legacy. Her fondness for the Swedish word “framåtanda” is to the point. It translates informally to “go-ahead spirit” and to “gumption,” an old-fashioned word that couldn’t be more appropriate, helpful and welcome as we navigate these times. It is about realistic hope and finding our own strength. This inspiring read is well worth your time.”
Dan Pompei, Senior Writer, The Athletic
“Don brings his trademark passion and warmth to a beautiful story that connects generations, cultures and countries. Among the treasures he discovers in a forgotten steamer trunk is a pathway through time and space. It is a pathway well worth traveling.”
Ken Seifert, Amateur Family Genealogist, VP Northwest Suburban Genealogy Society (NWSGS)
“As amateur family genealogists, we strive to breathe life into the memories of those who came before us. We research historical facts, documents and photos and “dream” of the stories and influences that brought our ancestors to that singular point in time. My Maja, A Grandson’s Tributeis a wonderful example of taking stark historical facts and breathing life back into the memory of an amazing woman who took what life dealt her, struggled, failed and triumphed. This book is an amazing example of our genealogy goal of “putting flesh on the bones” of our ancestors, using details to bring our ancestors to life. Maja lives!”
Maja's Blessings 