Steven Ludwig always knew he had a book in him – he just didn’t know what it was.
In 2006, the eighth grade teacher at Robert Fulton School was hit with hard news: he would need open heart surgery. The then-52 year old was told he had six clogged arteries, five of which would require surgical bypass.
“I wasn’t too surprised it was a heart problem,” said Ludwig, mentioning that both sides of his family have a history of heart disease. “I actually felt like if something was going to happen, it was going to be with the heart.”
“I want them to see all the things that I went through and to pull through.” – Steven Ludwig
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“I think we all have a book in us,” said Ludwig, a teacher for over 35 years. “I said to myself, ‘This is my book.’ ”
Ludwig’s self-published book, “See you in CCU: A Lighthearted Tale of My Open-Heart Surgery,” was released in October.
Lighthearted approach
Ludwig knew that whenever it was his time to write his book, it would be light, funny, and enjoyable.
His task? To put a ‘lighthearted’ spin on a very serious subject matter.
“I wanted it to be fun to read,” said Ludwig, mentioning that he also wanted to include all of the important concerns, risks, and dangers he was faced with to advise other readers in similar situations.
“[It includes] all the little things that people probably think about but not read too much about in books,” said Ludwig, mentioning his concerns ranging from his fear of taking pain medication and his temporary loss of memory to his experience with a catheter.
“I kind of put a lighthearted spin on just about anything,” said Ludwig.
While on Sabbatical last year, Ludwig completed his graduate coursework during the day, and wrote at the kitchen table every night.
“I finally got the book written,” said Ludwig, adding “Five years later, I’ve never felt better. I think it’s an inspiring story.”
Ludwig also mentioned that his book applies to anyone in a nerve-wracking hospital situation.
“I want them to see all the things that I went through,” said Ludwig, “and to pull through.”
“I think anybody would appreciate the book,” he added.
A little help from his friends
Ludwig mentioned that the support of his family, doctors, nurses, and coworkers were a main source of inspiration for the book.
“Even five years later, my coworkers ask me how I’m doing,” said Ludwig.
His book is dedicated to his wife, Sue, a nurse at Holy Name Hospital for 37 years.
“I don’t think I would have made it without her helping me out,” said Ludwig.
Ludwig’s family also supported him with the release of his book. The illustrations provided throughout were provided by his brother Tom. His nephew, Billy, helped with the necessary accompanying photographs.
“It’s really a nice feeling to know that so many people care,” said Ludwig.
To order the book visit ccubook.com, or send a check or money order for $15.99 to Steven Ludwig at P.O. Box 922, Fort Lee, NJ 07024.
Stephen LaMarca may be reached at slamarca@hudsonreporter.com.