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Erik’s Story Finding his gifts Against all odds in rural Alaska is the true story of young Erik David Behnke, born with Down’s Syndrome, autism and at one time---no future. His single mother, Linda Kay Thompson, takes a job in rural Kenny Lake, Alaska, as a special education teacher, determined to free the light she glimpses within her child. Where everyone struggles to survive in a frigid land, Linda finds more than a loving community: she discovers her oldest son is an artistic savant. Thrilled beyond her greatest hopes, she works tirelessly, helping him develop as a professional artist, which she knows absolutely nothing about, before he graduates from high school. Erik has three professional shows in Alaska his first year, which lead to his art being shown and sold around the world. Erik’s Story is a triumph of survival, the faith of a family, and the grace that is love.
NOTE—
Linda won a First Place Writers Award with the Alaska Women’s Press Club for the book Erik’s Story in 2008.
The same year, she also won an Honorable Mention with the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest under the category of Nonfiction, Religious or Inspirational Book.
Erik’s Story Finding his gifts Against all odds in rural Alaska is the true story of young Erik David Behnke, born with Down’s Syndrome, autism and at one time---no future. His single mother, Linda Kay Thompson, takes a job in rural Kenny Lake, Alaska, as a special education teacher, determined to free the light she glimpses within her child. Where everyone struggles to survive in a frigid land, Linda finds more than a loving community: she discovers her oldest son is an artistic savant. Thrilled beyond her greatest hopes, she works tirelessly, helping him develop as a professional artist, which she knows absolutely nothing about, before he graduates from high school. Erik has three professional shows in Alaska his first year, which lead to his art being shown and sold around the world. Erik’s Story is a triumph of survival, the faith of a family, and the grace that is love.
NOTE—
Linda won a First Place Writers Award with the Alaska Women’s Press Club for the book Erik’s Story in 2008.
The same year, she also won an Honorable Mention with the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest under the category of Nonfiction, Religious or Inspirational Book.
