Testimonials

I just wanted to send you a note and tell you how much I enjoyed the session yesterday at the Chamber of Commerce. It has made me think, and think…It sure was an open group of very pleasant people, and you managed us well. I think we could have gone on for hours. I plan to get your books and share them. My office told stories, and I listened more carefully than I ever have before. I think you’ve given me a gift.
Donna Ringelstein

You absolutely and unequivocably deserve to receive this information. Ed Poole is a trainer, author, success coach, and mentor and someone you deserve to have in your life.
Jeffery Combs
President & Founder
Golden Mastermind Seminars, Inc.

I read your book. It was very, very well written and extremely honest. I cannot recall reading a book that required as much courage to write as yours…With my background in counseling I felt the book was most intriguing. It is always with great effort that anyone delves into their life to find their spiritual/emotional lives after having denied that most important facet of life. You are an inspiration to me. I admire you.
John Werle

I cannot read a lot at one sitting. Not that it is painful, but that it is intense and awakens thoughts and ideas. I find myself going off into reveries of thought when I read it.
Dr. Ken Carlson

A friend of ours sent me the article from the Naperville paper. I wanted to tell you how excited I was to read about your book. I knew I had to have one… I thank you for being part of my fondest memories… When I saw your picture and article, I felt a friend had returned.
Arlene Staffeldt
High School Biology Teacher
Retired

After and during reading Ed's book, I often went to my front porch and reflected on my younger years. You know my grandparents lived in this house for over 30 years, then my folks lived here 32 years. Now I am here. Lots of memories, some good, some not so good. Tell Ed there were several times I thought I was reading my life in his words. I bet lots of people feel the same way. I still go out on my porch and think, pray, and end up thankful for the love that God provides to all of us. I will be spending a lot of time on this porch this year. I still love going out there. My grandfather also rocked in his rocker, and each time the train would come, he'd pull out his pocket watch and say "It's right on time." My father always spent the evenings out on the porch and mother would swing all the grandchildren out there. So we have lots of memories here at this lovely home.
Bev Denny

What a delightful book! One of my dearest friends used to talk about porch sitting! I grew up on my grandmother's south porch in the summer time - wonderful memories and lessons. Thank you!
Dr. Rebecca Sherrick
President, Aurora University

Thank you very much for a copy of your book. I have begun to read it and it is difficult to put down. It captures the self in all of us…Thank you for sharing your book with me. It is a true gift to share one's journey with another.
Dr. Sherry Eagle
Superintendent of Schools
West Aurora(IL) District #129

I deeply appreciate your candid sharing of your "star story." Thank you for speaking from your heart. Many folks were touched and your words gave me pause as I look back over my own life.
Rev. Cindy Karis
Associate Pastor
Knox Presbyterian Church

I have had moments in my life that mark a changing point. Times when I have been completely broken, or hit rock bottom, and moments of divine revelation, spiritual highs, or new found/long awaited clarity. Meeting and speaking with you was one of those life-altering moments. You showed me what two people are capable of accomplishing when they come together willing to give and receive, to be loving and open to learning more.
Curt Olson

You have been such a gift in my life! You encouraged me to bring my two halves together. In the safety and encouragement of your role model, I have been able to reconcile the touchy-feely with the scholar. In you, I saw a poet -- the heart of a poet and the head of a scholar...You're a life-toucher, life-giver.
Dr. Olive Poliks

When I was young living in Chicago, everyone sat on their front porches during the summer evenings. On some porches there was always a lively discussion; while on other porches you didn't hear a sound. These people enjoyed watching the neighborhood life -- kids running down the street, or perhaps someone just bought a new car. The porch was a place to solve all your problems.
Joe Bunge
Physical Education Teacher
Head Football Coach

Lessons from the Porch is a must read for anyone searching for meaning and wholeness in their life. Lessons will encourage and enable you to begin a healthy, life changing, and most likely long overdue journey towards peace, understanding, and wholeness in your life.I continually find myself returning to Lessons, gaining additional insight and prompting more self-reflection. If you're searching for truth and meaning in your life -- who you are, what you're doing, or where you're heading -- Lessons from the Porch will encourage you to begin, or continue, your journey.
Dr. Kathi Robinson

I have read your book with great interest, and I thank you for sharing your life's stories in such an honest and vulnerable way. I understand so much now...Your path -- as painful and challenging as it has been at times -- has led you to this amazing point in your life.Your book will facilitate the healing of many. One of the greatest gifts we can give others is Hope -- and you do that!
Cile Chavez

I love your book. By uncovering yourself, I found myself in it -- the sensitive, vulnerable being who wanted to be a good person, a pleaser...I could say I tried almost all my life to fulfill my father's dream and finish a Ph.D. in the area of science. Last year I gave up my six digit salary, with no regrets. Some of my friends thought I was silly, but I do not thiink so, because I am happy now. What I am doing is what I really want to do with my life.
Zongmin Dai

Thank you so much for sharing your stories in Lessons from the Porch. I, too, have struggled with ambigious feelings about my parents from my growing up years. In Mid-July I will be in Des Moines, Iowa, helping Mom and Dad, ages 89 and 91, with their daily activities. After reading about the conversation you had with your mother following your father's death, I know that now is the time to open up lines of "real" communication with the folks. You have inspired me to give it my best shot. With God's constant love and guidance, I have felt safe taking risks I would have never dreamed possible. Congratulations on a very well-written, inspiring book.
Carol Boals

I sat down this morning at about 8:00 a.m. to begin reading your book. It is now 6:16 p.m. and I have just finished reading the entire book. I am excited with the thoughts and ideas, however saddened that I have finished the book. You see, while reading this book, I could identify with many stories and the ideas that you shared. Your straightforward and honest writing is inspiring. I appreciate and admire the strength it takes to write this openly.
Rebecca May

Often while reading your book I thought of Walt Kirsch and his fervent belief that writers discover what they think/believe through the act of writing. You clearly support his view, and by the act of writing you gained a greater understanding of self. When I finished my second reading, I had the same exact thoughts I had after my first reading: 1) I'm so impressed with the reading you did in an effort to understand yourself and to prepare for the writing task. You didn't exactly read simple works either!...2) I"m also impressed with your courage. During your recovery you clearly gained enough self-confidence to expose both your strengths and your weaknesses in public forum. That ability is certainly a courageous act...You set an incredibly challenging goal, and you reached it. Doing so must give you a great sense of satisfaction.
Ellen LaGow

Thank you so much for the gift of your book...The letter you wrote to me on the inside cover makes your book even more special to me...I'm sure your book will have...meaning for me. I believe I will refer to it often for both comfort and inspiration.
Marilyn Lemak
Imprisoned for life without
the possibility for parole

Ed's book is the result of great courage and a difficult journey. The 22 lessons are depicted in charming illustrations and are applicable to everyone's life experience. The story about the kite and parents holding onto the string provided a "lightbulb moment" for me. As a mother, I have struggled between encouraging my children to fly and yet longing to be connected to them. Ed's story, recounting the physics of kite flying as it relates to parenting was truly enlightening for me. Thank you Ed for sharing your stories and lessons with me.
Mary Roberts

Thank you for sharing your life experiences with us at the Chicago AGA meeting. Individual testimony, to me, is the most moving and heartfelt means of communication I know. I have started to read your book and I can't set it down. The points you make about your upbringings as well as communication (or lack thereof) between family members strikes a cord with all of us. I commend you for your courage to talk about your personal life experiences.
Tom Lefebvre
President
Chicago Chapter of the Association of Government Accountants

I finally delved into your book. Hard to put down. I have enjoyed it a lot -- good for you!
Tom Halvorsen
Senior Vice President
Pennsylvania House Furniture