This memoir lays bare a life forged in fire, an extraordinary journey of resilience from the despair of the author’s early years to a profound appreciation for life. 

Born into desperate poverty and abandoned by his mother in the Philippines, the author's earliest years were a harrowing landscape of abuse, perversion, violence, and murder. 

The promise of rescue arrived with a move to Australia and a reunion with his mother, but this new beginning quickly devolved into another nightmare. His stepfather, initially seen as a savior, unleashed a torrent of controlling and abusive behavior on the family, while the mother, unable to protect her children, often sided with him, leaving them exposed—including to the sustained sexual abuse of a sister.

At sixteen, the author left home, with nothing but an unshakeable will to survive and thrive. His relentless drive led him to America at nineteen, fueled by ambition and a passionate, though turbulent, relationship with a woman in Washington DC who had HIV. 

Committed to building a new life, the author was confronted with betrayal, and a near-fatal car crash. Yet, despite personal devastation, he remained laser-focused on his goals. Near destitution, he pushed through adversity, and found his calling as a teacher. Having rebuilt a life from scratch and achieved financial stability and created a strong network of friends, the author reached a peak of personal success.

However, happiness proved fleeting. A subsequent marriage with a woman believed to be his soulmate was shattered when she confessed her infidelity. Heartbroken, the author embarked on a transformative global journey, seeking healing and self-discovery across the Himalayas, Europe and spending two years immersed in Saudi Arabia. 

Now, having returned to Sydney, Australia, strengthened and clear-sighted, the author lives a fulfilling life with a loving partner and a beautiful son. But behind his outward positivity and deep gratitude lay profound emotional scars, a past that continues to shape every decision. 

This memoir is a raw, unflinching account of survival, the relentless pursuit of self-worth, and the enduring impact of a history that forged an imperfect yet remarkably resilient individual.