From the beginning, books were my first friends. I never felt alone when reading a good book. And, a man alone I have been off and on during my challenging, yet fortuitous life. Many times I've been told that I have a powerful impact story ? one that should be told.? For years I've resisted telling my story out of fear of either revisiting the scorched earth of my past?or being perceived as one who is playing the victim card.? Having said that, in truth, at times I even find my story hard to reckon. We all have a story, don't we? Mine is a bit out of the ordinary.This is my story...a love story if you will ? as I love life!? Simply put, that's my philosophy. And I love the people in my life. I am blessed. I'm a man of deep faith and guiding principles. This is a story...a victory march highlighting passages of a life well lived ? despite insurmountable odds at times. From childhood to adulthood, I'd have good people enter my life as if a school play where and when the perfect character entered stage left or right, then parted. Unfortunately, evil and misfortune commanded my stage as well, often making me fee