State of the Heart is a book based on the real story of Maggi Grace and Howard Staab. In 2004, Howard's mitral valve in his heart malfunctioned and his healthcare provider in North Carolina, USA, put a price tab of $200,000 for the surgery. After some research, they flew to India for the surgery.
The book covers everything from the initial diagnosis to the trip to the Escorts Heart Institute, New Delhi, the surgery, and post surgery issues. Also included is the narrative of how Maggi Grace grappled with all the problems and unknowns facing them in India.
Famous quotes containing the words state and/or heart:
“Realizing that his time was nearly spent, he gave full oral instructions about his burial and the manner in which he wished to be remembered.... A few minutes later, feeling very tired, he left the room, remarking, ‘I have no disposition to leave this precious circle. I love to be here surrounded by my family and friends.’ Then he gave them his blessing and said, ‘I am ready to go and I wish you goodnight.’”
—For the State of New Hampshire, U.S. public relief program (1935-1943)
“Long, long, afterward, in an oak
I found the arrow, still unbroke;
And the song, from beginning to end,
I found again in the heart of a friend.”
—Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1809–1882)