A few years ago, Richard Dell, an 80-year-old man who grew up near Red Lodge in southern Montana, decided he would like to write a book about his life. He set out to find a writer, and he soon came across a literature studies graduate to do the task. After about 10 hours of dictation, the young man landed a full-time job, leaving Richard alone again with his humble idea of writing a book about his life.

Richard went online and found a writing group in the Guelph, Ontario, area — his hometown for about 14 years now — which eventually lead to a phone call with Mary Wales, a Toronto-based writer and editor. After a short conversation, Mary’s curiosity about Richard grew and she agreed, admittedly nervously, to help Richard bring his story to life in book form. All Is Well is Mary’s first book.

After a few weeks of dictation, Mary uncovered a riveting life story she was pleased to listen to — and then write about. Richard’s life both surprised and fascinated her. He told about growing up during World War II, going to town with a horse and cart for groceries, getting electricity for the first time, becoming an orphan, and being raised by his  determined Grandmother (“Gram”) on the O’Shea Ranch. Mary couldn’t believe the inspiring and captivating  time-capsule of a story she was hearing. She quickly realized that Richard’s life story is a gift to the world — and that it had to be told.

And now, almost nine months after Mary picked up the phone to call Richard,  All Is Well: The Life Story of Richard Dell is available for purchase here.