Eddie Garcia

My life story is about youthful promise, unfulfilled potential, temporary success, catastrophic illness, and spiritual awakening. I was the fifth child, and youngest boy, from a working class family in east SanJose, California.

Our parents built a protective cocoon around our home that allowed me and my siblings to explore. II had a carefree life that centered around family, school, and sports. I enjoyed riding bikes with friends, climbing trees, and playing two-hand touch football in the street and basketball on the driveway. Reading books about history and sports from the local library filled my imagination.

After graduating high school, I enrolled at San Jose State University with the promise of a bright future. In less than two years, I flunked out of college. Several years of stumbling through life, partying, and carousing led me to a hopeless and dark place. When I emerged, I went on a frenetic quest to vanquish failure demons and achieved short-lived vindication through college graduation and career accomplishments. A sudden heart attack and rare lung complication led to a hopeless summer clinging to life in the ICU. In the end, I went on a faith journey that led to a remarkable recovery and long-lasting redemption.

Since a life-saving heart transplant in 2020, I spend my time taking care of my heart and sharing my story. My daily routine includes eating a heart healthy diet, taking long walks and hikes, mindfulness practice, reading, and working on passion projects. My love of books and college training in history inspired me to publish my memoir, Summer in the Waiting Room: Faith • Hope • Love in 2022.

Sports are still a big part of my life as a fan of the San Francisco Giants, Warriors, 49ers, and college basketball. The gift of a second chance at life has given me what I cherish most: spending time with my wife Sandra, daughters Marisa and Erica, and our puppy Uchis.