2007 was a year that changed the lives of a Louisiana family forever. After a routine surgery with harrowing consequences, a then four and a half year old Matthew Goodwin, began to share a spiritual revelation with his parents that inspired his mother's 2014 book A Boy Back from Heaven – a story that will be shared at West Kentucky Community and Technical College on April 16.
Celeste Goodwin will visit Paducah, her ancestral home, and share excerpts from her book during a free one-hour presentation in WKCTC's Matheson Library beginning at 11 a.m.
Goodwin will talk about how her son, Matthew, developed stenosis in the main artery to one of his kidneys leading to undiagnosed high blood pressure, a battle he almost lost. She will then share Matthew's experience of four angels escorting him to Heaven, a place Matthew said he never wanted to leave, which made him have no fear of death.
"Coming back to Paducah to share Matthews's story is super important to me," said Goodwin. "My grandmother was born and raised here and I have family who still live here; Paducah is home to me." Matthew never met his maternal grandparents, but upon seeing a photo of them for the first time, he told his mother they were two of the angels that had held his hand on his heavenly journey. "I had been scared of death my whole life, but through Matthew's story, I found so much healing for myself. We hope his story will also inspire others," Goodwin said.
During her presentation, Goodwin will also discuss how hundreds of physicians, nurses, hospital support staff and volunteers made a positive impact on Matthew's life during his many long hospital stays. She hopes healthcare workers will understand that "everyone should leave the (hospital) room knowing that their jobs are important no matter how small or what department they are from," said Goodwin.
Goodwin is the Founder of the National Pediatric Blood Pressure Awareness Foundation. She also works as a speaker and presenter for healthcare workshops and seminars across the country helping to spread awareness about the effects of high blood pressure in children, as well as a motivational speaker for faith and spirituality.
Following her presentation, Goodwin will answer questions from the audience and sign copies of her book.
For more information about the free presentation, contact Kim Russell, WKCTC English program coordinator and event coordinator, at (270) 534-3203 or kim.russell@kctcs.edu.
Celeste Goodwin will visit Paducah, her ancestral home, and share excerpts from her book during a free one-hour presentation in WKCTC's Matheson Library beginning at 11 a.m.
Goodwin will talk about how her son, Matthew, developed stenosis in the main artery to one of his kidneys leading to undiagnosed high blood pressure, a battle he almost lost. She will then share Matthew's experience of four angels escorting him to Heaven, a place Matthew said he never wanted to leave, which made him have no fear of death.
"Coming back to Paducah to share Matthews's story is super important to me," said Goodwin. "My grandmother was born and raised here and I have family who still live here; Paducah is home to me." Matthew never met his maternal grandparents, but upon seeing a photo of them for the first time, he told his mother they were two of the angels that had held his hand on his heavenly journey. "I had been scared of death my whole life, but through Matthew's story, I found so much healing for myself. We hope his story will also inspire others," Goodwin said.
During her presentation, Goodwin will also discuss how hundreds of physicians, nurses, hospital support staff and volunteers made a positive impact on Matthew's life during his many long hospital stays. She hopes healthcare workers will understand that "everyone should leave the (hospital) room knowing that their jobs are important no matter how small or what department they are from," said Goodwin.
Goodwin is the Founder of the National Pediatric Blood Pressure Awareness Foundation. She also works as a speaker and presenter for healthcare workshops and seminars across the country helping to spread awareness about the effects of high blood pressure in children, as well as a motivational speaker for faith and spirituality.
Following her presentation, Goodwin will answer questions from the audience and sign copies of her book.
For more information about the free presentation, contact Kim Russell, WKCTC English program coordinator and event coordinator, at (270) 534-3203 or kim.russell@kctcs.edu.