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1-Page Summary of Heaven Is For Real

Overall Summary

Todd Burpo is a pastor who wrote Heaven Is For Real, which is the true story of his family. His son Colton gets sick and has to go through several rounds of surgery. The family experiences many trials over the course of a difficult year, but Colton’s illness gives them an unexpected glimpse into heaven and they decide to share their experience with others so that they’ll have hope in times of trouble.

Todd Burpo is a pastor who also installs garage doors to help with his church’s income. He has cancer and a leg injury, but he recovers from the accident. After recovering, Todd takes his family on vacation to the next church conference.

While Sonja was planning a trip with Todd, their three-year-old son Colton got sick. He recovered but then became ill again on the trip and quickly worsened. The family took him to the hospital, where it was determined that his appendix had ruptured. This caused toxins to enter his system, which resulted in Colton’s condition worsening until he needed emergency surgery.

Colton eventually recovers from his illness, which is considered a miracle. He still has an infection and must be taken to another hospital for treatment. On the way there, they are hindered by a storm, but then travel to visit relatives where Colton’s health improves further. During this trip he begins making statements that puzzle his parents at first, but in time they realize they were indications of what happened when he was in surgery—that he visited heaven.

Colton’s parents were in awe of what he told them about heaven, but they weren’t sure whether to believe him. But after some time passed, Colton kept telling his parents things that he couldn’t have known at the time. He described details like angels, heavenly thrones and God as a trinity. Then Colton said that he met a sister whom Sonja miscarried before she was born, and Pop died long before Colton was even born.

Colton’s family realizes that he has a gift, so they share his story with others. They find that it encourages people in their lives and struggles. Colton is now eleven years old and still talks about heaven, but hasn’t been back since he was three years old.

Heaven is for Real is a story about faith and healing. The book’s themes are about family and faith, which are emphasized throughout the storyline. Todd Burpo was faced with many obstacles before his son Colton became sick, and then he had to face his sickness as well as near death. This shows that the family unit can be strengthened through trials or tribulations because their love for each other grows stronger during those times. Colton’s miraculous recovery brought them closer together, especially since they all shared in this miracle of healing together. They were able to share their faith with others after experiencing such a great miracle themselves.

The Burpos’ story provides an example of how to respond in the face of trials and disasters. Readers can learn from their experience, as well as receive faith and encouragement for dealing with their own personal ordeals. The theme of endurance is also present throughout the text.