How was Edek influenced positively in the book

Edek is the middle Balicki child. As the only boy, he feels a pressure to step into the role of provider and her protector. He is good at both of these, providing food by smuggling from German supplies and providing safe shelter in the woods. Before the war, he seems to have been physically strong, but his time in prison camp leaves him weakened by tuberculosis and his health does not return until well after the war. He is a bold young man with little fear.