19 Nov 2011 ‘Can Do It’ offers words of hope

by Sonja J. Keith

Stricken by a brain tumor, a young man named Max was left with only three words – “Can do it.”

Inspired by God and Max’s zest for life, the young man’s uncle, Don Reeves, has written a book to help children as well as adults through life’s difficulties and challenges. It is titled “Can Do It.”

Max was in his early 20s, living in West Texas, when he was diagnosed with the brain tumor. No matter the question, his response was always, “Can do it.”
“Max was an inspiration to everyone who knew him,” said Don.

About four years ago, Don received a call from his sister, Willie Hillemeyer, the young man’s mom, who had a special request. “She said, ‘I want you to write me a children’s book,’” he said. “I had never done that before, so I told her I would think about it and pray about it.”

Almost immediately, Don began to write a story of friendship, courage and faith. It took about an hour to create the story, which he hand-wrote. “The Lord just gave it to me,” he said. “I just sat down and started writing.”

Set in the land of NaNa, the book has four main characters – Strength, a great white bear; Courage, a brave lion; Love, a cuddly rabbit; and Faith, a little boy who could only say, “Can do it.” There is also an evil dragon named Sickness.

“It’s amazing what this book does,” Don said. “Faith, Love, Courage and Strength can conquer any situation in life.”

After he wrote the book, Don, too, faced a serious health problem. He was diagnosed with a tumor in his liver, and the outlook was dim. He became the first person to be ministered to through the book. “I’m here three and a half years later.”

Although Max was in bad shape and experiencing a difficult time, Don had an opportunity to share the book with his nephew, who still had “that smile and ‘can do’ attitude.” Max felt honored by the book.

“This is part of Max’s legacy. It’s been amazing what the Lord has done with it. I don’t take any credit at all,” Don said. “Max will probably meet more people through this book than he would otherwise. That’s our prayer.”

Max died in August 2010.

The “Can Do It’ book carries the following dedication – “To my beloved nephew Max.”

“From the beginning I knew it was a God thing because this isn’t something I do.”

In February, the manuscript was sent for publishing and it was accepted on the first go-round, according to Don, with no editing. The publishing company considered changing the name of the Faith character  who represents Max, but decided to leave it. “I told them you can edit the Lord, but I’m not going to,” Don said.

The illustrations were produced by the publishing company – Tate – and approved by Don.

Don spent $4,000 to publish the book, with Tate Publishing helping with marketing and distribution. The official release date for the book is Tuesday, Dec. 20. Copies will be available through major distributors and online. It also includes instructions on a free audio download.

Don hopes to get the book in the hands of children with health problems. He has already approached several area hospitals and mentioned the book to healthcare professionals. About three weeks ago, he started with 300 copies, which he has given to friends, relatives and members of his church at Agape Church in Little Rock.

“They’re gone. They aren’t lasting very long,” he said. “It’s a ministry to me, to adults, as well as children.”

As word has spread about the book, he has fielded many requests for copies. Each book is about $4 with proceeds benefiting the Can Do It Foundation. (For more information, email [email protected] or call 501.529.5303. Interested individuals are also welcome to stop by Kordsmeier Furniture in Downtown Conway, where Don works as a salesperson.)

Don’s sister, Willie, is a teacher and is sharing the book with other educators. Their sister, Neva, is a librarian, and she is sharing the book with others in her profession.

“It’s been nothing but miraculous to see how accepted it’s been in all areas,” he said. “It’s the most fun thing I’ve done in my life.”

At age 68, Don has discovered a new hobby in writing children’s books. He has enjoyed writing poetry in the past, but this has been his first endeavor with story-writing. He has penned six more books in sequel to “Can Do It.”

“As the Lord gives me inspiration, I write it down.”