"Stop serving a sentence for a crime you did not commit!"With that one sentence, Maria Elena Iturralde grabbed my attention and made me want to read her powerful book. Her life story, and how she has turned her life around to lift herself and others to true peace and happiness, is told here with such honesty and candor that it cannot be ignored. Some who read this book may see themselves in it. Many will "find" themselves in it. Some may be shocked that these things happened to her - or to anyone. Some may cry, some may empathize, and some may be outraged. But no one will fail to be touched. But this is not just a personal story of pain. It is a story of redemption, salvation, and peace. In the end, Maria shows how she lifted herself out of being a victim, and became instead a counselor, advocate, and much more to other people, including her own autistic son. She has lifted so many up to become self-actualized, loving, happy human beings.And now she has given us the gift of this book, to continue her march, and the march of many others.When Maria first asked me to write the forward to this book, my reaction was that I was so honored. I am an educator and counselor, not a writer. My second reaction, of course, was that I wanted to read the book. And after reading it, my third reaction is that I can't possibly write anything as powerful, as heartbreaking, or as remarkable as what she has written. I never knew what Maria was experiencing, or would continue to experience in the future. But her recounting of those harrowing events and memories, the pain she suffered, and the way she lifted herself and many others out of those deep feelings of worthlessness, shame and guilt have shown me what a remarkable author, counselor, and advocate she is now. Maria doesn't pull any punches in the book. She tells the story the way it is for too many young people and children, be it sexual abuse, physical abuse or mental cruelty, or drug abuse. She tells the truth about how she had to hide it from school authorities and others for fear of retribution. It will hold you spellbound as you read of her trials and anguish. Make no mistake: this book is blunt, brave, and honest.But Maria doesn't stop there. She is not a negative person or writer, and this is not a book of hatred or residual anger. Instead, Maria then tells how she found strength and power, both within herself and from others, and turned her life around to become the amazing person she is today. Her story is both heartbreaking -- and uplifting. Written in basic honest and straightforward prose, her style and her story will move you, and perhaps even frighten you. But it will also ultimately uplift you, inspire you and give you hope, whether for yourself or for others. It is a book of hope and love. This, as a counselor, has always been my belief system. It is also the belief system of Maria Elena Iturralde. Mark MillerRetired teacher, mentor, educator, and school counselorFormer Board Member, now Advisory Board Member, National Teen Leadership.Maria Elena Iturralde takes you on a very intimate journey of tragedy, love and forgiveness into specific passages in her life and the insight and wisdom she derived from her faith, not just to overcome these horrendous challenges but to truly LIVE through them. While reading this book, the tears will be plentiful, as Maria vividly brings her story to life in every page. Her struggle and triumphs will bring hope to anyone crippled by life's hardships and inspire you to discover your own greatness, implanted by God. It's full of practical coping skills and heartwarming moments of touching her autistic son and others lives with love and encouragement to validate their own gifts to the world. Thank you Maria for your wonderful gift! I loved the book! Stephen Thorpe, LMFT Therapist in Private Practice. Temecula, CA