The journey of Carlisle’s discovery and recovery is shared via reflective stories, poetry and letters! He reveals his soul, his deepest secrets and thoughts along the way in an effort to gain peace! He shares some of his experience, strength and hope! He understands that he has been given grace!

Carlisle’s story is not unique! It mirrors that of many in America. Carlisle gives insight to the struggles and experiences of a young man seeking to successfully navigate through this matrix. He wants to redeem and purge himself of the poison that his mind, body and soul have ingested. His hope is to escape the grips of toxicity. This toxic behavior includes the abuse of alcohol, drugs and other forms of self-destruction. Carlisle becomes disillusioned and frustrated with life. He almost gives up on his dreams. His life is good until he faces confusion that results in obstacles and turmoil from childhood to manhood. By developing a relationship with a higher power that he can relate to Carlisle is victorious. He begins to deconstruct the monuments to institutions he had built. He learns to forgive. He makes amends. Most importantly, Carlisle learns to forgive himself. Along the way he develops lifelong relationships, some healthy, some not. He admits his faults, successfully navigates, and shares his experiences, strength and hope using poetry, letters and stories. If only one is helped by Carlisle’s story and by sharing his truth, then it’s a story worth telling. We all know a Carlisle and we all know someone who wants to go to heaven!

The author grew up and attended public schools in East S. Louis, Illinois. He graduated high school near the top of his class. He, briefly, attended Southern Illinois University and Tennessee State University after high school but decided to enlist into the United States Navy while at TSU. He served six years in the Navy (Vietnam Era and Iranian Hostage Crisis) and was honorably discharged. The high point of his service was his travels which took him all over the world. He travelled to many exotic places. A few of those place included Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Bangkok, Manila, and Mombasa. The Navy was definitely an adventure but it, also, inspired the author to go back to school. After the Navy he enrolled at University of California at Berkley. He transferred and graduated from Morehouse College in Atlanta where he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in French. He later attended The University of Mississippi where he earned his Masters Degree in Education and also worked on his doctorate. He has been in public education for over 20 years. His mission in life has been public education and educating those less fortunate than himself. This mission is fluid and is constantly evolving. Sharing his experience, strength and hope with others, particularly the youth,about the dangers of substance abuse is one of the author’s current passions! Also, he loves travelling and teaching. His latest travels take him to Haiti where he assists medical professionals in providing much needed medical care.