About the Author: Harold E. Kohn

Harold E. Kohn (1918-1975) was a fascinating man, who in just 57 years on this earth, experienced intense suffering (a rare brain condition, cancer, multiple brain surgeries, eventual blindness, chronic hives), but sought to bring cheer to others through his pastoral ministry, counseling practice, writing career, and his many artistic expressions – including poetry, watercolor, ink, scratch art, and wood burning.

It was his acute awareness of the brevity of life that compelled him to see beauty in nature, in people, and in the Creator himself.

In a brief biography of her father, Kohn’s daughter, Carolyn, wrote, “It was under the prodding of the recurrent tumor, the constant reminder of life’s finiteness, that much of his life’s work was undertaken…The writing and counseling of Harold Kohn carried through it a depth of understanding and courage particularly inspired and inspiring because of the great suffering out of which and in spite of which it came.”

I had the privilege of meeting Carolyn and her husband Larry. They graciously took me on a tour of the church her father pastored in Charlevoix, Michigan and the 40-acre parcel called Hidden Brook, where Kohn found inspiration for his writing and art projects.

He was a naturalist who studied the sciences and was always eager to share an outdoor parable with any child who would ask (something that happened often). He was a lover of books, who during a season of his life, chose to go without a car, because he’d rather spend his money on literature (I saw his library, and it is impressive!). He also had a sweet sense of humor that was often expressed by magically pulling coins out from behind the ears of children.

I hope you enjoy these nature parables, told by a man who knew pain, loved nature, walked with its Creator, and shared his thoughtful reflections with the rest of us. My prayer is that these books will lift your spirit and strengthen your soul as they have ours.

Warmly,

The Hidden Brook Press Team