Ed Phelps

Ed Phelps is the protagonist of "When We All Get to Heaven." When his wife travels to New York City for the National Baptist Convention, he decides to accompany her. Instead of sitting with her in meetings, he wanders Manhattan by himself. Throughout the day, he is delighted by the city's activity and liveliness, believing the scenes and sights around him are making him happy. In an attempt to convince himself of his contentment, he repeatedly tells himself he feels fine. When he sees a crowd of young people gathering outside a theater, he becomes curious, and joins the group. Suddenly, he is face-to-face with a famous pop star named Billy. Billy takes an inexplicable interest in Ed, insisting he play the guitar for everyone. With the instrument in hand, Ed is suddenly transported back in time. He starts playing the songs of his youth, and is...