Dispatches from the Heart

This is a very uplifting tale about how a man who survived time and again, against all odds. Going through polio at a very young age, but despite that, becoming very physically fit and active, Ed gets knocked down again in his 50's by a genetic heart disease which mows him down in one stroke. He has to choose – certain death in a matter of months, or a heart transplant. A heart transplant comes with a lot of uncertainty and waiting, so this is not an easy choice to make, but despite that, Ed is saved.

But this is not a thriller on the countdown for Ed to get his heart. Nor is this an instructional or biographical book on how the process went. This is an uplifting collection of letters and some commentary by Ed and Paige of how they survived this ordeal. The letters are to their dear friends and relatives, people this family has incredibly close ties to. And it's uplifting because rarely do you see such wonderful people, especially under such circumstances. Stress and pain makes most of us bitter, cranky and act ungratefully towards life or the higher power. But not Ed and Paige. They seemed to be optimistic, jokey and thankful to the universe (God, in their case, as they are Christian). This was truly inspiring because you don't see a lot of people in a mindset like that. It's almost like you'd look at them and they'd have this faint glow. The letters to their friends are sincere and full of love and truly beautiful to read. If you're struggling with something in your life, they will remind you how to be thankful for what you have, or how to make the best of your situation.

I thank Ed and Paige and their publisher for giving me a free copy of this book in exchange to my honest review. This has not changed my opinion.

I also wish Ed, Paige and their family the best of luck in their lives. Been through so much, they seem to be unbelievable people, and the world needs more people like that.