“I’m not afraid of dying. I’ve been close so many times.”

 

For whatever reason, God selected a humble, ordinary man named Arthur Mercado—known simply as Papa Cado by his grandchildren—to take an extraordinary roller-coaster ride through a life filled with “little” tests.

When the dust settled, Arthur had 51 heart procedures, 32 stents, 36 cancer treatments, a five-bypass, 2 outer-body experiences, and advanced Parkinson’s, among other tests. I am happy to report Papa Cado passed every one of these tests with his trademark dignity, determination, wit, wisdom, and the unshakable belief that “God would never give a person more tests than he could handle.”

When I approached Arthur about turning the 61 chapters of his life into a book, Arthur chuckled, “Who the hell would want to read this stuff?” Reluctantly, he granted me the extraordinary privilege of telling his true story in Arthur’s words in Arthur’s way.

He also gave me than 50 pictures that document his amazing journey from 3 to 72 years old, and final letters to and from the important people in his life.

Hopefully, the reader will quickly realize Papa Cado is more than just a one-of-a-kind book about overcoming obstacles. It is a celebration of the pure joy every day holds for everyone, if only you reach out and take hold.