While this book is technically a sequel, the hope was that there would never be reason to continue the first book's storyline. That book was left open-ended because we can never be sure of an addict's long-term sobriety. Given the longevity of his addiction, his drug of choice and history of failures, the probability was high that my son could relapse again. He had been clean and sober for 30 months (18 months in prison and 12 months back home) before his regression was triggered by a prescription pharmaceutical. Vicodin was prescribed and that led my son back to the streets for methadone and from there it was just a matter of time before reconnecting with his old friend, heroin. My son's meltdown and the mind-numbing ugliness of the fallout are documented in-depth, during the early chapters of this book. In an effort to better understand the profound difficulties that addicts struggle with, and why they seem powerless to control their lives, the mid-section of the book is devoted to research. The book covers addictions in general, the history of worldwide drug usage, the pros and cons of the various treatment programs, the debate over the difference of opinion regarding the numerous models, the causal triggers and the pharmaceutical companies. Every addict has two personalities, but the general public only sees the manifestation of the unsightly one...the good one goes unnoticed, even when they're clean and sober. The indistinguishable one is no different than you or me; he's just overpowered by his unwanted tenant...addiction. I'm trying to point out that no one "wants" to be an addict. Once clean, the addict knows that he must always be strong and vigilant because his co-pilot isalways waiting in the wings for his chance to once again, take over the flight controls.

About the BookThis book "From the Bottom to The Top," presents a challenging educational thought to the mind for all readers. Being able to read this book at first hand and seeing the parent and child (Larry) relationship can be very challenging, though interesting and educational. In fact, it is simply a sensible recognition that, for a limited period, we need to put in some extra quality time and effort in consolidating all our moral and natural resources to achieve a worthy goal, starting at the bottom and finishing at the top line.What might parents do to help ease the tension between them and their children? How can they motivate their children to be more successful and get to the top? How about your self-esteem? How can you empower yourself to be your best? How can you prevent them from getting underneath your skin? To these and other questions, Part I of this book offers a practical, "what to do with Larry story," hands-on approach.Part I of this book concludes brilliantly and impressively, leaving me in a state of insatiable yearning for the continuation of the rest of the book, to find out how Larry got to the top from the bottom. I just cannot wait to read the ensuing parts of this book "From the Bottom to the Top." By Mr. Peter Cole

If your adult child becomes incapacitated or dies, you do not automatically gain custody of your grandchildren. Sometimes, depending on the age of the children and whether or not they are adoptable will determine who gets custody. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal bonus monies are given to states each year when they exceed the number of adoptions from the previous year. Your grandchild may be needed to help reach the numbers necessary for your state to receive its bonus.

Today begins the last day of Rocquelle "Rocqui" Johnson's 'fairy-tale' life when she abruptly receives a disturbing phone call from her mother that prompts her immediate return to her imperfect past. Fayetteville NC, where she grew up was only three hundreds miles away from Richmond VA, where she now lives. Yet, it was worlds apart from her successful business and her loving fiance Zoric. Rocqui knew that coming home would mean the start of revisiting her childhood bittersweet memories. But nothing prepared her for an encounter with a handsome stranger that may potentially destroy her plans to live 'happily ever after'.

Nathan Walker is a Criminal Lawyer passionate about two things; his job, and his fianc, Angelique. That's it. The two have been getting through life's roller coasters as one, and when life takes a turn for the worse, Nathan and Angelique expect their relationship to stay solid. Struggling with a life altering situation, Nathan crosses paths with Casey Green a Social Worker who realizes she needs him as much as he needs her emotionally, and physically. Caught in the middle of a love triangle with him on top, and with Love and life at each end, Nathan needs to step up and be both a man and a father! With the rebirth of life and affection, Nathan is pushed to his breaking point, again, where he is then, left with nothing, or so he thinks. His life was always missing something he just didn't know what it was, until...

When fifteen-year old Celeste Zather catches the eyes of Preston Carnegie, she never expects him to relentlessly pursue her. At eighteen, Preston knows well what he wants and how to get it. Celeste is no exception. A carefree and innocent girl, Celeste is introduced to a world of parties, alcohol, and sex, the world that Preston is accustomed to. Pregnancy compels them to marry, but love holds them together. Preston becomes a preacher. As their family continues to grow in the admonition of faith in God, the enemy is in hot pursuit of destruction and death. After winning a prize for family of the year, the enemy distracts them. They divorce. The siblings deal with the troubles differently; some move on, and some go astray. Despite the enemy, the Carnegies have one thing in common-their faith in God.

Marilyn McCullough has had two husbands, five children, two stepchildren, six dogs, three cats, and two goldfish. In this memoir, she provides a humorous look at all aspects of her life-from the everyday trials and tribulations of family, friends, relationships, and aging to the not-so-ordinary topics of toe fungus, flatulence, gargling, and moth killing. In this, her second published book, McCullough has gathered articles previously published in an Illinois newspaper and has combined them with reflections about events both current and past. In addition to her uncanny and often comedic essays on at life, she has included a collection of short stories geared toward children. Through the stories, observations, and experiences presented in "One Brick Loose-Not Missing, But Who Cares?" McCullough communicates her life's philosophy-live life with a certain amount of gusto, enjoy the good, and accept the bad.

Ring around the Rosie A pocket full of posies, Ashes Ashes We all fall down As a little girl growing up singing Ring Around the Rosie, little did I know, that this would become our family ballad. My maternal grandpa used to say, "One day this family will destroy itself " How could I possibly understand what that meant? But I remember him saying it, all the same. Grandpa's prediction now rings true, as our family did destroy itself and fell to the ashes with the final act of our mother's passing. She left a carefully woven Gordian knot through deceptive means in her death wake of such vast proportion and complexity that it may never unravel. The death and passing of a loved one is difficult, even under the best of circumstances. But if the ties that bind left behind unaddressed confusion, misunderstandings, and/or deceit, the pain can run deep and leave a lasting "nonnegotiable" imprint, limited not to just one member, but the entire family for generations to come.

This is what I am sure of. There are millions of parents in this world. But there are only a select few with special needs children. No matter what you believe, this child was not given to you by mistake. You were chosen. You were entrusted to lead, guide and nurture that child. It's not by mistake; it's by design.

By 1993, God had blessed Nancy Ferrin with six precious children. One was taken home to heaven soon after birth, but the others were her treasures here on earth. The early years were uneventful and filled with activities, family fun, and spiritual training. However, the teen years led one son on an unexpected, destructive path. Heartbreak grew when a few years later, her only daughter followed in her brother's footsteps. During those agonizing years, God's peace sustained Nancy as she turned to Him repeatedly for understanding and strength. Because there are countless other parents dealing with similar struggles, this book is intended to help with the confusion and uncertainty of the prodigal years.