Janet Del Valle

I met the author several days before actually reading the book. It was a social event, not at all related to his book; I had no idea who he was or that he had even written a book. The person I met in person was intelligent, well-spoken, extremely friendly, welcoming, social, full of life and a breath of fresh air. Having said this I cannot tell you how hard it was for me to reconcile that all that "joie de vivire" was coming from the little boy in the book. It made me feel both hurt as well as happy for Mr. Pabon; hurt for all he went through yet so very happy to see that the man I met was still here; still able to smile and provide light to everyone around him. This book makes you aware and then sad for all the similar stories happening around us that we are blind to. It is also a testament to the human spirit and to overcoming life's jabs. The journey the author takes us through is wrenching and I'm sure for many of us unimaginable yet it was very real to him. It's an emotional trip worth taking.