Traffic Stop: Human Division

The Playlist

Good Afternoon Readers,

I wanted to be creative with the chapter titles for Traffic Stop: Human Division (Cahill, 2023), so I decided to use song titles in honor of Musicians who died before their time. Two of the song titles belong to artists who are still with us as of 2022. This bibliography didn’t make it into print, but I spent a lot of time and brain power on generating the list so I wanted to offer it to my readers.

Like Layne’s character, I was obsessed in my younger years with famous people who ended their lives by suicide. Until I became a mental health therapist, I couldn’t wrap my mind around why someone who appeared to have everything would make that choice. Some of these artists did not commit suicide but rather made choices in their lives to die slowly (or rapidly, depending on the substance) with drug and alcohol dependence. Some mentioned here died young due to accidents or disease. The fact of the matter is, our culture was influenced by some of these big-name players and their art will be forever missed.

Here is the bibliography in order of chapter titles, explaining the artist who is no longer with us and if known, the cause of death. I also attached a link to the video so you can create your own soundtrack if you wish.

Part 1:

JOYRIDE Song by Roxette (lead singer Gun-Marie Fredriksson; born May 30, 1958 and died December 9, 2019 at age 61 from cancer). Roxette – Joyride (Official Video)

HEART SHAPED BOX song by Nirvana (lead singer Kurt Cobain; born February 20, 1967 and died April 5, 1994 from suicide gunshot to the head). Nirvana – Heart-Shaped Box (Director’s Cut) – YouTube

I’M SORRY song by John Denver (born Henry John Deutschendorf, Jr. on December 31, 1943 and died October 12, 1997 at age 53 from a plane crash in Monterey Bay, California). John Denver – I’m Sorry

TURN, TURN, TURN Song by The Byrds (singer/songwriter Gene Clark; born November 17, 1944 and died May 24, 1991 at age 46 of throat cancer) and The Byrds (drummer Michael Clarke; born June 3, 1946 and died December 19, 1993 at age 47 from liver failure due to heavy alcohol consumption). TURN! TURN! TURN! (Lyrics) – THE BYRDS

IS THIS LOVE song by Bob Marley (born February 6, 1945 and died May 11, 1981 at age 36 from Melanoma). Bob Marley – Is This Love

ONE LOVE song by Bob Marley (born February 6, 1945 and died May 11, 1981 at age 36 from Melanoma). Bob Marley – One Love

LOVE WILL TEAR US APART song by Joy Division (lead singer Ian Kevin Curtis; born July 15, 1956 and died May 18, 1980 at age 23 by suicide). Joy Division – Love Will Tear Us Apart, 1995 … – YouTube

BEHIND BLUE EYES song by The Who (drummer Keith Moon; born August 23, 1946 and died September 7, 1978 at age 32 due to alcoholism). Behind Blue Eyes – YouTube

AMERICAN GHOST DANCE song by Red Hot Chili Peppers (guitarist Hillel Slovak; born April 13, 1962 and died June 25, 1988 at age 26 from a heroin overdose). Red Hot Chili Peppers- American Ghost Dance – YouTube

ADDICTED TO LOVE song by Robert Palmer (singer/songwriter; born January 19, 1949 and died September 26, 2003 at age 54 from heart attack). Robert Palmer – Addicted To Love (Official Music Video)

UNDER PRESSURE song by Singers/Songwriters David Bowie (born David Robert Jones on January 8, 1947 and died January 10, 2016 at age 69 from liver cancer) and Freddy Mercury (born September 5, 1946 and died November 24, 1991 at age 45 from bronchopneumonia as a complication of AIDS). Queen – Under Pressure (Official Video) – YouTube

MAN IN THE MIRROR song by Michael Jackson (born August 29, 1958 and died June 25, 2009 at age 50 of an accidental fentanyl overdose). Michael Jackson – Man in the Mirror LYRICS HQ – YouTube

STEPPING STONE song by the Sex Pistols (singer Simon John Richie AKA Sid Vicious; born May 10, 1957 and died February 2, 1979 at age 21 from a heroin overdose and had several suicide attempts prior and was accused of murdering his girlfriend by stabbing her in the stomach). Stepping Stone – Sex Pistols

Part 2:

A CHANGE IS GONNA COME song by Otis Redding (born September 9, 1941 and died December 10, 1967 at age 26 from a plane crash). Otis Redding – A Change Is Gonna Come – YouTube

OVERKILL song by Men at Work (saxophone/flute/organ/piano/synthesizer and songwriter Greg Ham; born September 27, 1953 to April 19, 2012 at age 59 from alcoholism and heart attack). Men At Work – Overkill (Video Version) – YouTube

WATERFALLS song by TLC; (artist Lisa Nicole Lopes, AKA “Left Eye”; born May 27, 1971 and died April 25, 2002 at age 30 from a car accident). Waterfalls – YouTube

ZOMBIE song by The Cranberries; (singer/songwriter Delores Mary O’Riordan; born September 6, 1971 to January 15, 2018 at age 46 by drowning after excessive alcoholism intake). The Cranberries – Zombie

RIDERS ON THE STORM song by The Doors (Jim Douglas Morrison; born December 8, 1943 and died July 3, 1971 at age 27 from a heroin overdose). The Doors – Riders On The Storm (ORIGINAL … – YouTube

CASTLES MADE OF SAND song by Jimi Hendrix (born November 27, 1942 and died September 18, 1970 at age 27 from an accidental overdose). Castle Made of Sand (Studio) – YouTube

I HAVE NOTHING song by Whitney Elizabeth Houston (born August 9, 1963 and died February 11, 2012 at age 48 from drowning due to coronary artery disease and cocaine intoxication). I Have Nothing – YouTube

TEARS IN HEAVEN song by Eric Clapton (written about his 4-year-old son who fell from a New York apartment building in 1991). Eric Clapton – Tears In Heaven (lyrics) – YouTube

ONLY GOD CAN JUDGE ME song by Tupac Amaru Shakur (born Lesane Parish Crooks; on June 16, 1971 and died September 13, 1996 at age 25 from a drive-by shooting). 2Pac – Only God Can Judge Me – YouTube

DEVIL INSIDE song by INXS (lead singer Michael Hutchence; born January 22, 1960 and died November 22, 1997 at age 37 by a hanging suicide). INXS – Devil Inside

REHAB song by Amy Winehouse (born September 14, 1983 and died July 23, 2011 at age 27 from alcohol poisoning). Amy Winehouse – Rehab (Lyric Video) – YouTube

PART 3:

ALL I NEED IS A MIRACLE song by Mike + the Mechanics (singer/songwriter Paul Young; born June 17, 1947 and died July 15, 2000 at age 53 from a heart attack). All I Need Is a Miracle – YouTube

SEARCH IS OVER song by Survivor (lead singer Jimi Jamison born Jimmy Wayne Jamison on August 23, 1951 and died September 1, 2014 at age 63 from a hemorrhagic stroke from an acute methamphetamine intoxication). Survivor – The Search Is Over (Live in Japan 1985) – YouTube

WHEN DOVES CRY song by the artist formerly known as Prince (singer/songwriter Prince Rogers Nelson; born June 7, 1958 and died April 21, 2016 at age 58 from an accidental fentanyl overdose). Prince & The Revolution – When Doves Cry … – YouTube

AIN’T NO MOUNTAIN HIGH ENOUGH song by singers Tammi Terrell (born Thomasina Winifred Montgomery on April 29, 1945 and died March 16, 1970 at age 24 from a brain tumor) and Marvin Gaye (born Marvin Pentz Gay Jr. on April 2, 1939 and died April 1, 1984 at age 44 from gunshot wound to the heart by his father Marvin Gay Sr.). Ain’t No Mountain High Enough (extra HQ) – Marvin … – YouTube

LISTEN TO ME song by Buddy Holly (born Charles Hardin Holley on September 7, 1936 and died February 3, 1959 at age 22 from a plane crash). Listen to Me BUDDY HOLLY – YouTube

PUT YOUR DREAMS WHERE YOUR HEART IS song by The Pointer Sisters (June Antoinette Pointer on November 30, 1953 and died April 11, 2006 at age 52 from cancer). Put Your Dreams Where Your Heart Is By June … – YouTube

POWER OF LOVE song by Laura Branigan (born September 3, 1952 and died August 26, 2004 at age 52 from a cerebral aneurysm). Laura Branigan – Power Of Love – Martes 13 – YouTube

FOREVER YOUNG song by Laura Branigan (born September 3, 1952 and died August 26, 2004 at age 52 from a cerebral aneurysm). Laura Branigan – Forever Young – Una Vez Mas – YouTube

YOU MIGHT THINK song by the Cars (singer/songwriter Ric Ocasek; born Richard Theodore Otcasek on March 23, 1944 and died September 15, 2019 at age75 from natural causes). The Cars – You Might Think

BABY LOVE song by The Supremes (singer Florence Glenda Chapman Ballard; born June 30, 1943 and died February 22, 1976 at age 32 from alcoholism, depression, poverty, and heart attack). The Supremes – Baby Love – YouTube

MAYBE song by Janis Lyn Joplin (born January 19, 1943 and died October 4, 1970 at age 27 from a heroin overdose). Janis Joplin – Maybe – YouTube

HOW SOON IS NOW? song by the Smiths (songwriters Johnny Marr born October 31, 1963 and Steven Patrick Morrisey born May 22, 1959). The Smiths – How Soon Is Now? (Official Music … – YouTube

Part 4:

IT’S THE END OF THE WORLD (I FEEL FINE) song by R.E.M (lead singer Bill Rieflinborn; born William Frederick Rieflin on September 30, 1960 and died March 24, 2020 at age 59 from cancer). R.E.M. – It’s the End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)

CARRY ON WAYWARD SON song by Kansas (violinist and vocalist Robby Steinhardt; born May 25, 1950 and died July 17, 2021 at age 71 from complications of acute pancreatitis). Kansas – Carry On Wayward Son

WITH YOU I’M BORN AGAIN song by Billy Preston (born September 2, 1946 and died June 6, 2006 at age 59 from kidney disease, hypertension, and drug and alcohol abuse. Billy Preston & Syreeta Wright – With You I’m Born … – YouTube

CARELESS WHISPER song by George Michael (born June 25, 1963 and died December 25, 2016 from dilated cardiomyopathy with myocarditis and a fatty liver). George Michael – Careless Whisper

KILL YOUR IDOLS song by Static-X (born Wayne R. Wells on November 4, 1965 and died November 1, 2014 from multiple prescription drug toxicity) Static-X – Kill Your Idols

OUT OF THE DARK song by Falco (born Johann “Hans” Holzel on February 19, 1957 and died February 6, 1998 at age 40 from a car accident). Falco – Out of the Dark

ONCE IN A LIFETIME song by Talking Heads (keyboardist Bernie Worrell; born George Bernard Worrell, Jr. April 19, 1944 and died June 24, 2016 at age 72 of cancer) Talking Heads – Once in a Lifetime

I hope you have hope and if you need a new playlist enjoy!

A Great Book Launch & I Thank All of You!

What a ride this is going to be! I’m amazed by the support and love shared during the “Traffic Stop: Human Division” launch party!

Thank you to all who helped set up and tear down the event. Its success was possible because of these key players’ efforts: John Cahill, Lisa Pererya-Molina, Leticia Montoya-Bonifas, Stevie Stallbaum, Wendy Hunt-Most, Ricardo Molina, Rex & Sheryl Hunt, Jaden & Nate Most. A special thanks goes to Dr. Bailey Koch and Jeremy Koch at Natural Escapes for providing the space and supporting this novel’s coming-out party. The surprise visit from my high school friend, Sheila Henry-Vester, blessed my heart.

We sold 50 books! These were all signed with a personalized note and encouragement that “To–get–her, we can end human suffering.”

We also received One Hundred Thirty One dollars from the raffle to support the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) in America. A cause now near and dear to my heart. Through my research on Human Trafficking and witnessing one Lakota Family’s loss, I now have first hand knowledge of the MMIP epidemic. We cannot talk about human trafficking without shining a light on the fact that of the millions of people in America who are Indigenous (Native) it has been reported that nearly 25% have experienced human trafficking and many are now numbered in the MMIP records. Those stats alone make me sick, but what causes me deep sadness about those numbers is the fact there are only an estimated seven million Indigenous people left in North America today. Before European contact, more than a hundred million people called this land home. We are committed to donating to the MMIP across the USA.

The winners of the books include:

Mateo Marino: A World of Gratitude by Clair Saunders

Becky Mustard: When the House Feels Sad – Helping you understand depression by Jeremy and Bailey Koch

Vicky Bliven: Never Alone by Jeremy & Bailey Koch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q8PG9gl5Kew

The donation will be made to https://thundervalley.org
Our next book signing will be held at the Lexington Library on November 30, 2023. Two times are offered: 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and again at 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Stacey L Cahill, Author of Traffic Stop Human Division

Michelle Allen’s Review of Traffic Stop: Human Division a Novel

November 16, 2023

Dear Future Readers, I was captivated by this dynamic novel that carefully guides the reader through several perspectives of individuals involved in intergenerational trauma and human trafficking. The story also brings hope as well by detailing the steps taken toward healing through counseling and family support. The characters have experiences, thoughts, and feelings that many of us can relate to, bringing them to life off the page. I found myself glued to this novel, intrigued by the characters, and with an invested interest in learning how their stories ended.
Michelle Allen, Photographer

KRVN Radio Interview

https://p.ftur.io/krvnam/24466

Listen to the 11 min. interview on the KRVN’s Podcast by clicking above or read the story below.

Lexington Woman Releases Her First Novel, “Traffic Stop: Human Division”

COURTESY/Stacey Cahill/Traffic Stop: Human Division

November 14th, 2023 | KRVN News

LEXINGTON, NE – A Lexington mental health practitioner who serves primarily victims of trauma, spent the last seven years researching and collecting data for a book she wrote called “Traffic Stop: Human Division”.

Author Stacey Cahill has been providing mental health services to the area for the last 22 years, and has taken an interest in fighting back against human trafficking.

Her book that was recently released follows the story of a young woman from a small midwestern community who goes missing and falls victim to human trafficking.

Cahill says her career as a licensed mental health practitioner, as well as a massage therapist, has helped in the process of writing about human trafficking.

She adds, “I have never written a book in my life. And so, I have been kind of nudged along by God, a being, or creation, or whatever, and I’m like no, I don’t have time for that… But it kept getting louder, it kept getting louder and so finally I’m like ‘Okay, I will write about this.’”

Cahill explains why she chose to write about this topic for her first book.

While researching about human trafficking, Cahill found some shocking statistics. Some of those statistics are: there are 40 million trafficked individuals in the United States alone, and only one percent of those individuals get rescued.

After learning these numbers and how our nation is effected by human trafficking, Cahill also found that indigenous people are largely targeted. She says there are 1.1 million tribal members in the U.S. and 25 percent of them are of that ethnic group who are trafficked.

After learning this, Cahill decided to write her next book on indigenous tribes and human trafficking.

Cahill will be having two book signings during the month of November where she will have books available to sign along with a “murdered and missing indigenous” stamp to commemorate November as Indigenous month. Her first book signing will be at Natural Escapes in Cozad on Friday, November 17th from 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. The second will be at the Lexington Public Library on Thursday, November 30th at 11 am to 12:30 pm, and 4 pm to 5:30 pm.

To learn more about Stacey Cahill, or to purchase a copy of her book online, go to her website: https://scahilllinebywine.org/
https://ruralradio.com/krvn/

Clipper Harold Lex. NE – Interview

I feel so much love from my community, thank you to everyone. You have all been a part in keeping me focused through uncharted territory. I will remain calm and thankful. https://lexch.com/news/lex-native-writes-book-on-human-trafficking/article_46f6b6b2-8250-11ee-bb8c-6bbbd080e5bf.html

Dawn Cromer’s Review of Traffic Stop: Human Division

Traffic light line long exporsure by Markus Spiske is licensed under CC-CC0 1.0

November 11, 2023

One of my favorite things about reading a great novel is the picture it paints in my mind, draws me in, and captivates me; How I see and feel about the characters and the emotions that are invoked. I realized shortly after beginning Traffic Stop: Human Division that I would have to re-read the novel right away.

I knew there were intentional things, and important details I must be missing, but I couldn’t stop reading to figure them out. I HAD to keep going because I HAD to know what happened next!

Amongst the tragedies, there are so many lessons the reader can take away and apply to their own life. Lessons of healthy coping and resolution. Lessons of boundaries, self-love, and honesty. Ultimately, I came away from this novel with an understanding we too can face whatever storm comes next.

This novel is a masterpiece. It’s captivating, riveting, and a story the world not only needs to hear, but is going to love.

I have told those in my circle that although your topic is an entirely different subject matter than that in Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Traffic Stop: Human Division is just as Epic. I am amazed by how you wove the events into a healing tale. What an incredible accomplishment.

Tomorrow I will begin again, Part 1: Joyride

Dawn Holbein Cromer, Kearney, NE

Chimera Explanation an Intro of the Cover of My Book

Please read about the cover

Seth and Marley are Chimera, pivotal in Traffic Stop: Human Division. I interweaved this idea because I wanted to make the twins’ relationship mysterious, playing on the spiritual realm of a twin’s connection. This video explains a scientific miracle made possible on occasion when a woman conceives paternal twins. Check it out for a deeper understanding.

I have a personal connection and reason for researching this topic. When I was pregnant with my daughter, the doctor suggested he heard two heartbeats at the initial checkup, scheduling me for an ultrasound the following Monday to verify. I spent the entire weekend wondering how to manage a three-year-old and a set of newborn twins. At the ultrasound, the technician eased my anxiety when she reported there was only one passenger in my womb. That experience made me wonder what happened to the other heartbeat.

I’ve had a prevailing sense of survivor’s guilt from early childhood. This unknown trigger got me curious as to whether I am a surviving twin in utero, having a brother or sister seeing life on this earth through my eyes only. I have also been passionate about fighting for the underdog, the people who have had their voices muted or silenced, which supports my passion for writing about human trafficking and childhood sexual abuse.

The cover shows three adolescents with Marley centerstage. In the background are Seth and how Marley would have looked had her embryo not enveloped her twin brother. Marley’s eyes are different colors, representing Seth having taken over the left side of her body. The dark, looming colors show the dread, gloom, and doom that Human Trafficking brings to the lives of its victims. The back cover shows Marley and Seth holding hands, overlooking a pending thunderstorm over the lake where they live. It is the calm before the storm. The thunderbolt severs their bond as they turn away rather than drawing nearer to each other in the difficult times to come.

Cover Contributors: Lisa Pererya-Molina, Chimera Avatar creator & structure, Ramon Prado-Cervantes – model acquisition, Michelle Allen-photographer, Citlali Prado-model, Caleb Neben-model, Jackie Peterson-feedback on color scheme, Jeri Schooltheiss-Graphic Design, Taeton Amos-co-creator for book summary on back cover.

My Intentions

I believe our children are our future. To protect our future in America, it has become evident to me that adults must guard the hearts and minds of our children. I wrote this novel to bring awareness of Human Trafficking’s prevalence in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. It seems easier to avoid the reality that such horrible abuse occurs within the most affluent country in the world. It makes no sense to me. There is no logical explanation as to why our children and youth are being manipulated, coerced, used, and exploited for other people’s gain. The profit margin alone is breathtaking, and not in a good way.

I wrote in graphic detail situations involving childhood sexual abuse, coercion, and exploitation for a specific reason. My goal was not to glorify abusive behavior or sexually excite potential perpetrators who commit these crimes. No way! I wrote explicit details for people who have never been victims and who do not have the mindset of a perpetrator to gain a clear understanding of both positions. Empathy for what it might be like as a child experiencing sexual abuse may be the motivating factor to do what we can to prevent and heal the confusion, isolation, and shame sexual abuse creates.

In addition, I wanted the reader to get a snapshot of a perpetrator’s mind and behavior so we know who we are protecting innocents and ensnared children/youth from. I didn’t write a story to give innocent minds any ideas on how to hurt and exploit others. I used generic, common scenarios as to how sexual abuse takes place. This fictional work is no one person’s story on display, but it could be anyone’s experience.

I intend to have those who take the time to read this novel know the signs of Human Trafficking and understand how perpetrators identify their targets to solicit, coerce, and potentially steal so we can keep innocent children safe by calling those suspicions to the authorities so they can do their jobs to serve and protect.

I hope to reach an array of people in various careers, including the following because they have access to our homes and our children: Plumbers, electricians, delivery drivers, truckers, real estate agents, construction workers, roofers, handymen and women, clergy, teachers, paraprofessional teachers, janitors or other cleaning service providers, lawyers, social workers, therapists, doctors, nurses, administrators, government officials, police officers, etc…But ESPECIALLY parents and grandparents whose most important job is to keep their children safe and to become productive adults.

If we are to hold manipulators and exploitative personalities accountable for hurting and using our children, it is imperative to know the signs. Here are some words to explain a perpetrator’s actions, but the novel flushes out these behaviors. These words include control, manipulation, coercion (If you love me, you will), threats, gaslighting, blame, denial, avoidance, and not taking responsibility for actions or behaviors.
Victim’s behavior may include a sudden change in temperament, people-pleasing behavior, withdrawn or isolating, spending time with people their parents don’t know, sneaking around or out of the house, being secretive or paranoid, having extra money or expensive gifts all the sudden, sudden weight loss or gain, drug/alcohol abuse, unable to look people in the eyes, saying things like “I’m worthless,” bruises or broken bones, having their boyfriend/girlfriend speak for them when asked direct questions…just to name a few.

Become everyday heroes. Know the signs, call 911 for any suspicions of child abuse or neglect, and keep your ears and eyes open with your head on a swivel. Human Trafficking happens every day in plain sight. We are all responsible for our future as a human race.

Traffic Stop: Human Division A Readers Review

Tryna Kelly offers a review of Traffic Stop: Human Division by Stacey L Cahill.

November 7, 2023

Review: Traffic Stop: Human Division

This story centers around the effects of grief, spirituality, abuse, addiction, and the connection they each have with the human experience. Each character is complex in their own right but shows the type of growth that we would all strive for. The parallels between spirituality and the physical world are a focal point throughout the storyline and give readers a refreshing example of how those who are no longer with us are still influential in how we live our lives every day. Layne, Marley, and Otis are the physical beings that are guided by the spiritual presences of Seth and Lupe with all five characters maintaining intricate relationships with each other. Throughout the story, readers are presented with viewpoints from each character, giving more perspective into their actual thoughts and feelings regarding the past and present issues that they are being faced with. This creative approach causes readers to slow down and truly begin to empathize with each main character throughout some of their most intense situations. If readers go into the story without receiving the storyline with true intention, they may get lost in the different viewpoints that are offered. It is my opinion that the challenge should be accepted by readers to get a full understanding of this family dynamic.

The description of the Nebraskan seasons was a welcomed chance to truly imagine the physical environment the characters were experiencing at any given moment. Readers can follow along with the seasons and weather changes that affect moods and everyday life for Midwesterners. A severe thunderstorm was the backdrop of one of the most pivotal parts of the story when a life was lost and caused a permanent void in each character. The same type of thunderstorm was experienced by Marley many years later and instead of causing pain/loss, it was used to show her growth through all the painful things she had experienced.

Overall, the connections built between the reader and characters open the door for all parties involved to truly recognize and accept the importance of growth and forgiveness. Congratulations to Stacey on your first novel. We thank you for bringing more light to the issues that are discussed throughout this story!

Tryna Kelley, Systems Analyst Healthcare Information Technology

Stop Sign

This is by no means a political post!

I stop at this sign every day when I come home from work and I’ve never taken the time to reflect on it’s meaning until today.

You see, this week, after a very long journey of writing, editing, and re-editing my novel TRAFFIC STOP: HUMAN DIVISION, the author copy finally landed in my hands in completed form.

This experience was like holding my newborn baby for the first time; Completely breathtaking and awe inspiring!

As I reflect on this 7 year quest drawing to a close and anticipate the upcoming promotion that will take place in the the next months and years, I realize this stop sign’s significance to my story and what I’ve attempted to portray with this novel.

Signs are only the message.

It requires the driver of the car to take action or choose not to.

The same is true for this novel that will be released soon. It will take more than me writing a novel to stop human trafficking.

If some people were distracted and blew through a stop sign, that puts all people on the road at risk for serious injury or death. We are all on the road together.

All drivers are responsible for the lives of others. We need to collectively take a stance against human slavery. Parents, Grandparents, and any legal adult are called to protect our vulnerable children in the United States and globally. We can work together to keep them safe. Youth who have already been abused could be rescued and healed. Those who remain innocent could avoid victimization of perpetrators who attempt to prey on them.

Believe me, there are people who are violent predators. Often a perpetrator has up to 10 victims alone. I have helped their victims piece their lives back together, one day at a time. These predators live all throughout our world, all throughout the United States of America, and within your very own neighborhoods. I pray, for your sake, these perpetrators who hurt and destroy do not live behind your closed doors…but they may be there too.

I hope above hope that you have been shielded from those people who intend to harm others based from their own pain and suffering. Please consider yourself blessed if that has been your experience, but know that to be human is also to know suffering.

And We are all human. We have all suffered something.

Imagine you are 2 or 5 years old. Or if you are 10, 14, or 17. How vulnerable were you then? Did you have the capability to protect yourself from the mind games some people play? Do you now?

I implore you to look right and then left (especially left because traffic does not stop) in all situations you are faced. I ask that you learn more about what makes a perpetrator tick and how to spot someone who has ill intentions for our youth. A snapshot of this is mapped out in my novel.

Just like we must stop at traffic signs to avoid mass chaos and unnecessary harm, we must all do our part to end human trafficking…because if any one of us are enslaved, we all are.

This novel was written with the intention to awaken the masses of this ever present and marginally undiscussed topic, to get our heads on a pivot as Ross Gehler yelled at Chandler Bing to do in the famous Friend’s episode (RIP Matthew Perry), and to do our part in prevention and/or intervention of our current and future children who might become ensnared into sexual slavery.

Now, I choose to speak for those who have no voice; Trafficked youth who are scared and don’t know what to do. Innocent youth who don’t know any better on how to keep safe.

I’m not asking you to rescue a child from the Columbia rainforest on an impossible one-man-mission; although, I am SO grateful some are willing/able to do so! My request of you is this: educate yourself about the signs of human trafficking and about the characteristics of sexually exploitative perpetrators, and make a call to 911 (our already knowledgeable legal heroes) to physically rescue a potential victim.

Be an everyday hero. Stop at the traffic sign. Be aware of your surroundings by looking all directions even if the sign says only look left. Prevent unnecessary harm. Call for help if you have the slightest suspicion. We all need to do our part.

You are my everyday heroes.

Thank you for supporting this effort!