21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
phenomenal performance by Cloris Leachman, September 25, 2001
This review is from: Woman Who Willed a Miracle [VHS] (VHS Tape)
The best part about this story is that it's entirely true. The woman portrayed masterfully by the great Cloris Leachman has long passed away, but the miracle she willed, Leslie Lemke, is still alive and well.
The Lemkes had been childless themselves, but had raised literally dozens of "unwanted" foster children, with varying disabilities, deformities and mental deficiencies for most of their married life.
As they entered into their golden years, they had an empty nest and were ready to enjoy life as a couple, but Mrs. Lemke couldn't refuse the chance to raise baby Leslie... a boy born without eyes, who was probably also deaf, had cerebral palsy and would most likely die from organ failure while still a young child.
The couple worked tirelessly and lovingly with the boy that still couldn't sit up on his own at the age of 15 years... and finally a miracle happened. This is truly one of the most amazing stories put on film and it deserves to be on DVD. The DVD could show clips from the 70's show "That's Incredible!" where Leslie Lemke's story was first shared with the nation... as well as photos of him today, showing how he is still living out the dreams of his foster parents, etc.
The acting is superb and you quickly forget you're watching a movie, but you feel like you're a member of the Lemke household. Anyone who watches this will be in awe of the tireless devotion this elderly couple has with the "hopeless" child who even as a teenager can needs to have his diapers changed and never shows emotion... the miracle that follows will blow you away. It's truly an amazing, fantastic, heart-lifting story.
It's family safe and inspiring... and just a fantastic story. There should be more movies like this in the world.
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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful story of how courage and faith pay off, December 12, 1998
By A Customer
This review is from: Woman Who Willed a Miracle [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This is one of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. It's the story of one woman's courage to adopt an infant who has so many problems he isn't expected to live. Not only does he live, but with her constant love and attention he slowly begins to come out of his vegetative state and respond to outside stimuli. One night, after hearing a piano concerto performed on television, his parents are awakened to the sound of him playing the same piece, and come to learn that one part of his brain responds so much to music that he is able to play whatever he hears, no matter how complicated the piece. It's a story of how his mother's prayers are answered, and how God honored her perseverence and faith.
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7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Faith Rewarded, December 3, 2001
This review is from: Woman Who Willed a Miracle [VHS] (VHS Tape)
This touching story about a woman's perseverance in working with a nearly unresponsive child is a heart-warming story that will remain with you for years.
There aren't that many movies which are really, truly inspiring, but this is one of them (and one of the best).
Highly recommended, but keep the kleenex handy.
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