This is the story of my coming of age without the guidance of a father while escaping physical punishment from my mother. I battled a sometimes-vicious world, where all that glittered was not silver or gold and maturing entailed huge risks, strong faith, and high stakes.

Through it all, I ran, I prayed, I cried, and sometimes, I laughed. On this journey to a better life, I felt despair, envisioned hope, and learned survival. Yet my regrets are few. Handel: My Journey to a Better Life is my story.