Climbing the Broken Stairs, a Memoir
    When I imagined the challenges my sons would face, it was with the hope that I had instilled enough strength and empowerment in them, that their decisions would be good ones. How my sons (now both adults) manage their lives and the choices they make, is deeply rooted to my influence upon them. And while I don't hold myself responsible for every right or wrong decision they make, I, as a parent, account for a great deal of their actions.    This work is nonfiction, which is to say, this is a true story. The characters mentioned are also real; however,somenames, identities were changed to protect the anonymity, and privacy of others involved...but not all of them. The events and experiences described within these pages are true by my own account, and I have been as honest as possible in my retelling. Conversations are not, exactly, as they occurred; instead, I have chosen the use of reconstructed conversations to share this journey in a way intended to implant the same emotion and meaning I experienced, and describe how these circumstances affected me.    And while I won't pretend that this will be an easy read, itis a necessary read. But, who am I that anyone should be interested in what I have to say? There's no fame accredited to my name, I've made no notable contributions to society. Toseeme, I'm just an ordinary person, living amongst a sea of ordinary people. Toknowme, however, is to know someone who overcame extraordinary odds, just for that chance to someday be able to enjoy an ordinary life.    My purpose for writing this book is not to "wallow in" or "vent about" the past, hoping to gain sympathy. Because the fact is, no matter how much I write, or how many people I reach, the things that happened cannot be undone. My purpose is to open more eyes to the kinds of monsters that are often right under our own roofs, and prevent these evils from inflicting harm upon innocent souls. Those who have already known their monsters; their demons, my purpose is to offer strength and encouragement. I know how dark the nightmares can be, how long the road can seem, but you are not alone, nor are you defined by the ugliness that was forced upon you. With faith, you can overcome and move forward.     Thank you for this opportunity.     Frieda A. Adkins - Author