By Laurena Mayne Davis Saturday, January 31, 2015

Monkeys and the Chair: Josiahs Story honors the life and influence of Josiah Peacock, a charismatic young man born with severe cerebral palsy not that he ever let that slow him down.

His mother, Renee Oppenheim Peacock, of Grand Junction, wrote Josiahs story in essay form, weaving in stories of their big, extended, four-generation family including children born to them, adopted by them and in their foster care.

Laurena Mayne Davis: How did you decide on the title Monkeys and the Chair?

Renee Oppenheim Peacock: My husband and I have always referred to our kiddos as the monkeys. One night we were sitting at the dinner table discussing possible titles when he said, A Bunch of Monkeys and a Wheelchair.That was a tad awkward, so we shortened it to Monkeys and the Chair: Josiahs Story, and it stuck.

Davis: Why was it important for you to tell Josiahs story?

Peacock: When Josiah became ill I started to write about him. I realized that his life was exceptional and his spirit needed to be captured. I knew, deep in my heart, that I had to share this amazing and intelligent child with the world. Not only because he was such a character, but because he defied the odds and took away all of my excuses to be mediocre. He lived in a crippled, limited body yet he was the happiest person I knew. Anyone lucky enough to have met him would agree that he changed peoples lives for the good.To not share his life would have been criminal!

Davis: Why is it important to you to include Scripture with Josiahs story?

Peacock: Josiah was a very spiritual child, so writing about him without using the Bible would make about as much sense as putting lipstick on a moose. Even though he could not control his own body, he would raise his hands in worship and pray for his brothers and sisters. He was a voice of reason, an encourager and a leader even from his wheelchair.He was intimate with God in ways that I can only hope to emulate.

Davis: I imagine readers will, like I did, marvel at your ability to care for so many children, many with special needs. How did you maintain your energy and positive attitude?

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A moms story about caring and spirituality