Book excerpt: Life Is Short – Eat Dessert First By: Robert L. Bladow Life Is Short – Eat Dessert First is more than author Robert L. Bladow’s story. From his family research, he learned that his grandfather had a story to tell but left it for him to discover. His life was full of challenges and perils that took every bit of determination for him to survive. How he survived is a lesson of determination and perseverance. His son, Robert’s father, who persisted through the Great Depression and with his career, is the example he set that had exposed Robert to many practical life skills and the experience of acting in theatre, which later allowed him to be successful at what he chose to do. Robert’s older brother, Terry, had a significant influence on him by sharing his wisdom and skills while they were growing up. Life is a challenge that can be met with determination and perseverance to gain a successful life, and if Robert’s experience helps just one person deal with that, he would be satisfied. He hopes his readers enjoy the story and have a reflection that is meaningful to them.