Rising from the Ashes

Liliana Riley was born in April of 1984 to a young, unmarried mother who soon gave Liliana up for adoption. She never knew her father; in fact, she didn't know the real story of her birth until much later. When she learned the truth from her adopted parents, she felt anger. She felt she had been "thrown away" by her birth mother. This anger grew to encompass all aspects of her life-toward the world and toward herself.

Liliana's life never got easier. As a child, she was picked on by the other kids at school. As an adult, she was picked on by an abusive, alcoholic husband. Even in her role as mother to her own children, life seemed hell-bent on destroying Liliana. She began writing in an effort to heal her psychological wounds. The healing worked; through her difficulties, Liliana eventually found the strength to conquer her dreams.

"Rising from the Ashes" is a journey to redemption after years of pain, suffering, and abuse. It goes to show that life is not easy. In Liliana's opinion, life is a battle, and the battle never ends while here on earth. Even so, the suffering she endured made her stronger. She made it through the turmoil, and although her life is far from over, her life lesson must be told in order to give hope to those now living in darkness.