Born in 1945, Valerie grew up in an environment of sexual and emotional abuse at a time when there were few laws for a child to turn to. With no one to talk to or explain what was happening, Valerie developed severe emotional problems. The lack of support from her family added to the stress she was experiencing. She had few friends, suffered from low self-esteem, and experienced serious anger problems. Valerie was rebellious as a teenager. Became an alcoholic in her early twenties and was promiscuous into her early forties; all symptoms of Borderline Personality Disorder. After several hospitalizations she was also diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). She spent two years working as an escort and became addicted to cocaine. She turned her life around when she went to work as a confidential informant for the Seattle Police Department and US Treasury Department in 1991. Celebrate the Dandelion is an emotionally charged love story of a mother and daughter's life-long efforts to make amends. In 2004 Valerie moved to Mazatlan, Mexico with her mother to get away from the constant chaos in their lives. She lives there still and has no intention of returning to the United States.