Blessings in Disguise

Joseph Baca's story of growing up in Las Vegas, New Mexico brings to light the effect of an abusive father on a family of nine children, all of whom must learn how to survive and defend themselves against a parent who is an alcoholic and who mistreats every member of the family. The community acts in a neutral way, (as was the accepted custom back in the 50's), by turning away from the crisis. Often, help comes from relatives who step in and help the children both understand and cope with the drinking, yelling, anger and abuse of a father who sometimes comes close to seriously injuring or killing his own children through his physical abuse. From this time of early sorrow and suffering, Joseph grows up, falls in love with a wonderful young woman, gets married and becomes enlightened studying world religion, practicing daily prayer and opening his eyes to his inner spiritual strength and force that has always been there for him. This story would be amazing just for Joseph's struggle and his rise to a place of self-empowerment, but it is much more than that. He becomes a successful business entrepreneur in his community and on top of this achievement, wins a $1,000,000 New Mexico lottery and puts the money to extraordinary good use by investing it into his radio business ventures and his community. This is a book for our time and our times. It will give you chills, butterflies and perhaps even a glorious awakening of your own. It is a story of adversity and the faith that no matter what happens to bring you down in life, you can bring yourself back up with love, faith and a strong belief in yourself. You can also learn to forgive, and in doing so, discover the greatest reward of all. The realization that trials and tribulations in one's life don't necessarily have to be accepted as negative experiences that linger on through adulthood to eventually destroy one's life, family and spirit. Early childhood experiences are only negative if we perceive them as such. Dr. Wayne W. Dyer states the following in one of his books: "Change the way you look at things, and the things you look at change." Blessings J. P. Baca