By Bruce Goldwell | November 1, 2026
What would you do if life suddenly reminded you how precious every day really is?
In October 2026, I found myself facing that question.
At 75 years old, I suffered a heart attack and underwent open-heart surgery—a quadruple coronary bypass.
What started with chest pain and a trip to the emergency room became a journey through hospital transfers, medical procedures, surgery, and recovery.
It was one of the most serious experiences of my life.
But even while lying in my hospital bed, something unexpected happened.
I started thinking about my next book!
Not because I wasn’t taking my condition seriously. I knew my health had to come first.
I was thinking about how my experience might help someone else.
From a Hospital Bed to Another Book Idea
I’ve spent much of my life learning, creating, and sharing knowledge.
So while waiting for surgery, I began thinking about writing a book about surviving a heart attack.
The first part would share my personal experience—from recognizing symptoms and seeking emergency care to undergoing surgery and recovering afterward.
The second part would explore heart attack prevention using credible medical research and guidance.
While recovering, I began documenting my experiences through voice transcription and conversations on my phone.
I wanted to preserve the details while they were still fresh.
I hope that, eventually, my experience can help others recognize the importance of taking possible heart attack symptoms seriously.
550 Published Books — A Milestone I Never Imagined
By the end of October 2026, my independent publishing catalog reached 550 books.
My books cover subjects ranging from science fiction and spirituality to artificial intelligence, personal development, travel, and practical guides for seniors.
I didn’t begin writing with the goal of publishing hundreds of books.
I began with ideas.
One idea became a book. Another became a series. Some books inspired websites, educational resources, and tools.
I kept learning, and I kept creating.
Over time, those efforts grew into something much larger than I originally imagined.
My Journey Hasn’t Been a Straight Line
Before becoming an author, I served six years in the United States Army, including service in Vietnam and Germany. I received the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service.
I’ve also worked as an architectural draftsman, journeyman carpenter, computer operator, high school programming teacher, and entrepreneur.
And I’ve experienced nearly a decade of homelessness.
During those difficult years, I made a personal commitment that, if I could rebuild my life, I would dedicate my efforts to helping others.
That commitment continues to influence my writing.
It’s also why I’ve developed projects such as Senior Vet Discounts, which encourages veterans and seniors to ask about available discounts before making purchases.
“I’m on a Mission from God”
During my hospitalization, my daughter was understandably worried.
I told her something that expressed how strongly I felt about the work I still wanted to do:
“I don’t have time for dying. I’m on a mission from God.”
Those words weren’t meant to minimize the seriousness of my condition.
They reflected my sense of purpose.
My recovery is important, and I’m following my medical team’s guidance.
But I still have ideas to explore, stories to tell, and knowledge I’d like to share.
What Comes After 550 Books?
I’m continuing to explore several projects, including a possible book about surviving and preventing heart attacks, Super Brain Exercises, additional Smart Senior guides, and new resources about artificial intelligence and lifelong learning.
At 75, I’m still interested in discovering what technology can help us accomplish.
I’m still interested in learning new things.
And I’m still interested in finding ways to help others.
Discover My Publishing Progress
I’ve created a new section of my website called Publishing Progress, where you can explore my personal journey, publishing milestones, featured books, and future projects.
Visit my Publishing Progress website:
https://www.mykindlebooks.net/bruce-goldwell/publishing-progress
October 2026 reminded me that life can change without warning.
It also reminded me that each new day is an opportunity.
You don’t have to write 550 books to make a difference.
Maybe your goal is to write your first book, start a business, learn a new skill, or share your knowledge with someone who needs it.
Whatever your dream may be, don’t assume it’s too late.
Your next chapter is still waiting to be written.
Keep learning. Keep creating. Keep helping others.
— Bruce Goldwell
Independent Author | Vietnam Veteran | Entrepreneur | Lifelong Learner
I’d love to hear from you: Have you ever experienced something that changed your outlook on life or inspired you to begin a new chapter? Share your experience in the comments.
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