About the Author

I was on an unexpected journey that transcended the whimsical tales I usually penned. My son, Trey, had taken a dark turn, ensnared by the seductive muse of addiction. I grappled with despair as Trey's laughter turned hollow and his eyes lost their sparkle. I watched helplessly as my once-happy child spiraled into chaos. But I was no ordinary mother. I clung to hope like a lifeline, refusing to abandon my son to the ghostly specter of addiction.In the depths of Trey's struggle, I discovered my own resilience. I poured my heart into a memoir-a raw, unfiltered account of our shared battle. Through tear-soaked days and desperate prayers, I chronicled Changing Eyes. My words became a torch, illuminating the path for others. My memoir isn't just a story; it's a battle cry. I hope that no other mother will hear the same cries of anguish as I had. Instead, I offer a lifeline-a testament to the human spirit's unwavering strength. Through my words, I have become a beacon of hope for those navigating similar storms.Changing Eyes isn't just a book; it's a lifeline extended from one mother's heart to another's. ❤️ Mekenzi, the youngest of four children, entered the world with dreams as vibrant as the morning sun. Armed with a business degree fresh from college, she envisioned owning her own business-a beacon of independence and creativity. But life, ever the unpredictable artist, had other brushstrokes in mind.Enter Trey, a twist in her path. With her heartstrings tuned to high emotional frequencies, Mekenzi veered away from the conventional high-flying career. Instead, she chose to stand by Trey, focusing on his recovery. It became her life's mission-to lend a hand, to heal, to uplift.And then, the book arrived-an opportunity that beckoned like an open road. Mekenzi didn't hesitate; she dove in headfirst. She was willing to invest ten, twenty, or more years because how else could she weave the tales that danced within her memory? How else could she help me express my own?Her thoughts became my compass. Despite her lack of writing experience, I took her seriously. Her choices were impeccable but meant more work as I wielded my pen. Together, we embarked on a journey through Trey's life-a shared odyssey of tears and resilience.But here's the twist: Mekenzi, in her quiet determination, transformed into an author herself. When I sought her opinions, she became my most discerning critic. Writing flowed from her soul, an art that poured forth like a river-gentle yet wise, knowing where it wanted to go. She carried a piece of me and a touch of divine inspiration.It's been an emotional ride-a rollercoaster of highs and lows. But without Mekenzi's input, Changing Eyes would remain unfinished-a canvas waiting for its final strokes. My friends call me Okie. For 45 years, I've known Leanne and her husband, Marc. When I heard about their son, Trey, I reached out to Marc. His panicked words still echo in my mind: "Welcome to my nightmare, Okie."Leanne's story is a raw and unfiltered account that lays bare the horrors of addiction. She bared her heart and soul, revealing her family's struggle with drugs-without holding anything back. It's a harrowing journey into the abyss of addiction, an emotional rollercoaster that evokes tears, laughter, and inspiration.Through Leanne's eyes, we see that no one is immune. Drugs' grip reaches into our neighborhoods and communities, affecting lives in ways we can't imagine. The stigma surrounding drug abuse and addiction must be shattered, and our stories need to take center stage.Leanne's tale reminds us how fragile our world truly is. In the blink of an eye, drugs or alcohol can alter lives forever. But amidst the darkness, there's survival-the resilience of a family fighting against the odds. Leanne's story is a testament to courage, hope, and the power of sharing our truths.