© 2002 by Perfect Brightness L.L.C. All Rights Reserved.

        Several years ago a good football buddy stopped at my door. I enthusiastically greeted him. As we talked I sensed a difference in his personality and soon his request for financial help led to the tragic story of his battle with drugs and alcohol. He had lost his wife, child, and brilliant career. Initially, I was not only perplexed and frustrated over the foolishness of his choices but it was unbelievable how one could give up so much for so little.
        Since that experience I have felt sorrow for my arrogance. I have now witnessed many fine people fall prey to the dreaded disease of addiction. I have seen wonderful families struggle over their children. I have witnessed the brightest and the best leave their home, sacrifice their future, reject their loved ones and lose their identity. I have heard all too often of suicide, accidental overdose, and drug caused fatal accidents. It was beyond my reasoning then, but now my compassion has increased as I have become informed. I also know that addiction touches all our lives and is fast becoming the foremost health problem facing Americans.
        Tragically there are too many misconceptions about substance abuse. Too many people feel that it is only the weak and selfish that choose the road of addiction, compounding the very sick circumstances that postpone those who need help from receiving it.
        I appreciate Phil, a former seminary teacher and religion instructor, for having the courage to write his own story of his journey through addiction. I appreciate his faith in God as he truly walked through the "...valley of the shadow of death". I am also humbled by the good people who embraced him, included him and finally rejoiced with him as he returned to his family and the church that he loved. With patience they instilled in him "A Perfect Brightness of Hope".
        I encourage every parent, teacher, coach, teenager and superstar to read this book. No one can read it without self-examination. I will never be the same and I am grateful for that fact.
Steve Young—former quarterback of the San Francisco 49ers