Grateful Guilt: Living in the Shadow of My Heart

They've been cutting into Steven Taibbi since the day he was born, and they still haven't stopped. According to the doctors, Steven should have died years ago, and several times since. Born April 26, 1953, he was cyanotic—doctor-speak for what was commonly called blue baby, meaning his heart wasn’t pumping efficiently enough to properly oxygenate his blood. As if that wasn’t enough, he was also born with three birth defects, requiring three operations. There would be more operations to come—many more. Over time, he needed not one, but two heart transplants, feeling immensely grateful while struggling with survivor’s guilt.

'Grateful Guilt: Living in the Shadow of My Heart' is Steven’s story of determination, one he feels would benefit others who face serious challenges. He also carries guilt for the way his illness affected the family dynamic.

Without self-pity but with lots of humor, Steven shares his journey, one filled with physical and emotional pain yet comes out fulfilling many of his aspirations he dared to believe could happen, even while hooked up to wires and machines challenging such thoughts.