The Librarian of Congress and Peter

Peter’s life may not look like what we thought it would, but it has been full of life, amazing adventures, and once in a lifetime experiences. Born in South Africa he had 32 stamps on his passport by the time he was 5. He has been apart of numerous Work and Witness trips (short-term missions trips). He has met Mickey Mouse on his Make-A-Wish trip. He has scored a goal in soccer. Earned a yellow belt in karate. Performed in a piano recital. He wrote a book and has hosted a book signing. Now he can add a few more experiences to the story vault. Peter’s loves story and often wants people to tell stories of memories of experiences. My aunt lives in the DC area so we took a Spring Break trip to visit. Peter’s book was accepted to be a part of the Library of Congress. During our trip we thought it would be cool for Peter to visit the Library of Congress. During our visit we not only got to see his book, but were also able to see one of the reading rooms, see a small portion of the massive card catalog at the Library of Congress. Peter was able to meet leaders from the National Library Services for the Blind (NLS). One of them being a young man who is blind and who works in their music department. Peter also had the honor of meeting The Librarian for the Library of Congress, Dr Hayden, in the ceremonial room. She signed his brailled copy of his library record and read his book with him. She also encouraged him to continuing writing and to find ways to make it a series of books. We also learned that Peter is likely the youngest author to have a book in the Library of Congress. Peter’s life has been and will continue to be full. Full of life, love, laughter, and stories. If and when Battens continues to take away his abilities we will be able to remind him of the stories of the amazing experiences that have filled his life and all of the people that love him and have supported him. To be honest when Peter first had the idea of writing a book we never imagined that it would lead to meeting the Librarian of Congress. We also never imagined that Peters book would be a source of inspiration, courage, and hope for others who are blind or disabled that we have been told that it is. Another lesson learned from my courageous 8 year old. Follow your dreams you never know where they may lead. The years that he will live may not be long but his days will be full of love and adventure.