This autobiography of my life starts on the island of my birth, Jamaica, in 1962. At a young age, my father left my mother, my brother, and myself. He returned months later and illegally took me away at the age of three to live with his mistress and their unborn child. So begins The Start of the Journey: Part One of an Autobiography, a wrenching tale of my inner survival. The experiences and challenges I endured as a child empowered me for this time in my life, for I finally found the peace within me to share my story with others. I have found forgiveness, love, and respect for myself and others who were in our family circle. I cannot change my past, I can only learn and look forward to my future. I am now a stronger person who is no longer vulnerable, I have been empowered; my adversities have all been transformed into triumphs. Sandra Ward-Cooper left Jamaica for Toronto and now lives in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. She is an educator and a married mother of four children. Publisher's website: http: //sbpra.com/SandraWardCooper Author's website: http: //thestartofthejourney.com