Hurt people hurt people. The generational cycle of abuse, alcoholism, infidelity, emotional unavailability and self loathing, is an all to common theme in todays society. Longing for the familial bond. Seeking men like your father. Becoming the things you despise in your mother. Traumatic lives can become our self-fulfilling prophecies, or the catalyst to pave a new life. Sadly, I know many women who continue to live in these cycles of chaos unable to accept a healthy love. Instead of expending the energy on trying to "save or change a man" those energies need to be self focused. I felt Stacy's anguish of longing for her parental love, but I could easily see that they too endured the absence of the nuclear unit. I wondered how many generations, in her family, lived the same cycle of despair. All individuals innately desire love. My knowledge of Stacy has only been one of strength, faith, and compassion. It's endearing to learn of her most intimate tragedies. I, too, am the daughter of an alcoholic mother. Having to be the parent, when only a young child, is very impacting. Thank you for opening your soul to the world. Speaking of abuse, broken families, and addictions are so important. The United States is the #1 country in the world housing the greatest opiate addictions. Alcohol is a secondary coping mechanism used frequently. Forgiveness, awareness, and positive choices are Stacy's messages. We need to continue talking about the taboos in this book. I'd love to read how your life has changed from the last page written.