The Last Ordinary Hour

Living Life Now That Nothing Will Ever Be the Same

By: Kathy Izard

Narrated by: Ginny Welsh

Length: 5 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's summary

Whether your world has been shattered by an untimely death, unfair diagnosis, or unexpected disaster, this inspirational true story will help you live wholeheartedly even after life breaks your heart.

On February 22, 2013, Kathy Izard’s world was shattered when her healthy husband, Charlie, suffered a catastrophic heart attack. Although he was miraculously still alive, there could be no return to normal living after doctors diagnosed the cause to be an incurable disease: spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD). Living with an exceedingly rare condition and facing the unfathomable prospect of life as a young widow, Kathy had to learn to accept the radical uncertainty that life often brings completely without warning.

Through heart-pounding and heartwarming storytelling, Kathy recounts how she and Charlie navigated numerous cardiac crises using wisdom gained from both science and faith. Combining practical medical advice and inspiring spiritual enlightenment with her endearing vulnerability and perceptive insight, Kathy shows you how to find, cling to, and even strengthen your faith in the midst of a crisis that has left you reeling.

The Last Ordinary Hour is not a book about dying. This is a story about living.

"This is a searing and ultimately beautiful story of Kathy Izard’s years-long pilgrimage on the knife edge of time and eternity. It speaks to all who want to find a path of faith, to a life worth living, and a love worth living with." (Leighton Ford, founding president, Leighton Ford Ministries, author of The Attentive Life, and The Power of Story and many other titles)

"The Last Ordinary Hour is a must-read for those who have suffered tragedy and loss, for those who seek to deepen spiritual life, and also for readers who simply long for a book you just can't put down." (Katherine Olivetti, M, MSSW, author of The Guided Dream Journal)

©2021 Kathy Izard (P)2021 Kathy Izard

A Faith Journey to Being

Kathy Izard shares her journey of becoming a being of faith through trusting her Spiritual Beingness.

Compelling, Thought-Provoking and Inspiring

Kathy Izard bares her heart and shares her story in a beautiful and meaningful way that will leave readers captivated and wanting to hear more. An excellent piece of work!

Restorative -- for mind, body and soul

I have listened to more than 300 audiobooks and typically fiction over non-fiction, but this latest miracle journey that Kathy Izard takes us on has fortified me more than the "escape" I usually seek in novels. I was overwhelmed by this illuminating story of finding and keeping faith and of seeking JOY -- insisting on it! -- in life despite seemingly insurmountable odds.

This is a story of rare health setbacks, but it is universal through Kathy’s message of hope and gentle guidance through whatever labyrinth we face. It is more amazing to me when I understand the timeline of this trial and how it connects to her work shared in The Hundred Story Home. I am so glad Ginny Welsh narrated this one as well. It's the voice I've come to think of as Kathy's, despite having met her in person. I hear Ginny and see Kathy. That's the ultimate in audiobook narration for me.

Such an impactful book

This.book.
As a person who has lived through a share of traumas I had reservations about reading a book that may trigger me to go down the proverbial rabbit hole of all the “what ifs.” I devoured this book. Kathy’s writing was so moving I felt as if I was living right along side her as she worked through the pain on her path to peace.
I am so thankful for the message and lessons Kathy has shared and pray I can remember to find the joy in every day and spend time living instead of worrying about dying.

Amazing story, brilliant writer

Kathy‘s writings bring you into her world. Her story is an amazing journey of triumph. She paints a living picture that gives a feeling that you are on the journey with her. Her first book was so much more than I expected. As soon as I found out about this book I bought it and started listening.

Life changing book!

This book was recommended to me by my good friend Meg, who is also a life coach. Although Meg recommended it, I think God designed for me to read it. I have been living my life in fear of what I perceived might be my future, which like the author included being without my life partner way too soon. This book has encouraged me to let go of my fear and pursue an understanding of life‘s true meaning and purpose, which is not the day-to-day Kronos time that I currently live. My goal after “reading” this book is to pursue meditation and to really focus on enjoying the here and now and being appreciative of all the blessings in my life.