From a Caterpillar to a Butterfly

This book is the prequel to "The Darkness & The Light", also by Angel Power. These are the stories that go with the poetry. It is creatively broken down into metaphorical phases of a young woman's transformation. Based on a true story, except for one fictitious scene that was written for therapeutic purposes, it begins with the end and ends with the beginning. Candid and raw, it exposes the dark reality of her tragic experiences and shares how she found the resilience to survive and transform. It will take you on a journey through overcoming exploitation, abuse, human trafficking, addictions, poverty, mental health challenges, the loss of a child, and more. It will explain stigma and the corruption of the social systems that claim to protect the most vulnerable. This will enlighten the reader to systemic injustices and the impacts on our vulnerable youth when protection is needed most. There is often prejudice toward high-risk youth and the challenges they face, especially those trying to cope with unmet needs. This book will bring validation to the reader from young adult to the guardians trying to protect them, as well as those who work in the field of trying to help them. It exposes some of the power imbalances and barriers that many women of all ages can face. In these confusing and scary times, exploitation continues to be on the rise and stigma still exists. It is hoped that this book will empower the victimized to find healthy coping mechanisms and natural ways of self-healing. For those who wish to protect them it may also provide some insights into never giving up the good fight that it takes in order to do so.