A Milestone in My Journey
Today is a significant day as I announce the release of ‘The Forgotten Son: Chapter 3’. This marks the completion of my autobiography, building upon the original ‘The Forgotten Son’, which was first published on February 7th, 2025.
In this latest chapter, I delve into the pivotal events from 2018 onward, examining how these years have influenced my relationships, career, and overall outlook on life. Through a journey encompassing both hardships and blessings, I invite readers to witness not only my struggles but also the unexpected gifts that have emerged along the way.
Family and Personal Stories
In addition to recounting my personal journey, I have included special chapters dedicated to my family. These sections focus on themes such as marriage, children, teaching, and the meaningful bonds we share.
The book also features heartfelt letters to my loved ones, offering a glimpse into the emotions and connections that have shaped my life. While I initially intended this to be the final chapter of my story, I now recognize that life often presents new, unwritten chapters.
Only time will reveal what the future holds. Writing this autobiography is profoundly meaningful to me—it is a legacy I wish to leave for my family and for generations to come.
The Significance of Today
I am aware that my story may resonate most with those who know me best. Though I share my life openly, I understand that I am not a public or political figure, and my journey may not hold significance for the world at large. Still, I hope readers will find strength and meaning in the adversity I have faced.
Today holds additional significance, as it marks nineteen years since a turning point in my life—February 7th, the day that changed me forever. On that day, I made an attempt on my life, during one of the most troubling periods I have ever experienced.
At the time, I was unemployed and living in what I called ‘The Devil’s house’ with my father. The real struggle was not with my father himself, but with the oppressive atmosphere I felt in our home—a sense of evil or malignant force that deepened my depression and anxiety, wearing me down over time. I am not sure if anyone cares to know, but the memory of that day remains vivid.
A Day That Changed Everything
I remember attending a job interview that morning, only to be told upon arrival that there were no openings, despite being shown around the offices. Afterward, I had lunch at my favorite Mexican restaurant, ‘El Picante’ in Bell Gardens, California—a place I jokingly call Bell Garbage, a sentiment understood by those familiar with the area. Returning home, I found myself alone; my dad was out, and my sister, who also lived with us, was at work. After lunch, an overwhelming urge led me to the garage to search for a rope.
There happened to be a ladder in the backyard and an apparatus I could use. At the very moment I was about to take this irreversible step, my sister unexpectedly returned home, feeling suddenly ill. She found me in time, pulled me down, and called for help. The following seventy-two hours were some of the most difficult in my life.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
Those who hear this may wonder why I dwell on the past so much, to let it go, move on. But like I mentioned this shaped me in ways I can not even comprehend today as I almost saw death.
I am thankful to be here today, for one not only for my family, but for my faith. I can not confidently say that back then I believe in Jesus and eternal life, and if I had succeded I would most likely have ended in the depths of hell and forever torment of my soul, a scary thought, but here I am, having fully given my life to Jesus in 2008.
It’s reminder that there those who struggle every day, those who take that leap, fire that gun and don’t recover, don’t survive and do it where there is no one around much like depression, you feel alone, you feel misunderstood as for one you are not crazy, although one could argue that a person has to be mentally ill to do such atrocities, but no, it can happen to anyone at the lowest or even the highest points in their life.
We have a real problem in the world and especially in the U.S. where mental health is often spoken about, but at times very little action is done and that is because today there is still a stigma even to speak about it, as its easy to be labeled ‘crazy’, ‘nuts’ and a slew of other words that do more harm then good.
We are losing people every day to suicide, as 1 person dies every 11 minutes in the world to suicide. I was fortunate to have been saved as today I have a wife, daughter and family. If I had eliminated myself, my daughter would not be here today.
Like I said today is very personal and a day to remember how far I had come.
For those interested in purchasing my book its avilable at all major online retailers.
Joe Meyers Adventures 