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The Day Before I Died

Prologue

Life became small, very small
Shrinking slowly from forever to this day, this moment, this second
Defined by the moments and seconds of life
We are lost and found in those moments
 
Defined by the worse that’s ever happened
Shrinking from bright and shiny to dim and dark
Living in fear and sleeping with death
Not much to lose
 
The quiet solution arrives
Unbidden on translucent wings
Not a cry for help or a threat
A simple step to brightness and forever

The Day
Before I Died

A memoir of an innocent Irish Catholic boy on his journey from the quiet New England coast and the apple orchards of Pennsylvania to Vietnam and ultimately to the brink of suicide. Traversing minefields both at home and abroad, the author shares these intensely personal stories of overcoming the scars of war, disfigurement, emotional abuse, sexual orientation, and bullying. It is an intimate look at the many triggers that led him to consider suicide and the path of resilience and strength that kept him alive.

Hear JF Whitaker share excerpts directly from his book on Youtube

"What a wonderful read. I really enjoyed every page! I'm spreading the word telling everyone to get a copy of your book. You have inspired me to try and begin writing."
"We need to start looking for what we have in common as humans and citizens of this great country and the principles we share."
"Your book still deep emotions of both pain and anger. I devoted my entire career working for the acceptance of fundamental human rights for women, lesbians & gay, runaway & homeless youth, battered women & their children. I am still angry & distraught. Some things cannot be forgotten."
"Beautiful and heartrending"

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