Gavin Gone: Turning Pain Into Purpose to Create a Legacy [SIGNED]

New condition glossy color photographic softcover wraps. Includes Dedication; Preface by Armen Bacon; Prologue and Epilogue. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs. Signed and inscribed by the author, Rita Gladding, with black pen on the title page. "This book is multi-faceted - an incredible story inspiring people struggling with grief; or trying to build a foundation; or digging in to change a law themselves; or even to change the court system. This is almost a "how to" book to navigate all these things." - Melanie Warner, CEO Defining Moments. "Rita Gladding's name and persona illuminate the darkened night sky like a brightly lit neon billboard. She is a fierce and virtuous leader, revered and loved in the community we both call home. For years I admired from afar her hands-on approach to life, her unwavering and indomitable spirit, the down to earth ways she tackled issues and challenges. A woman with fire in her eyes - the kind of flame that makes things happen with passion and purpose. Simply put: she is a human firecracker. When the news of her son Gavin's death hit the airwaves and front pages of the newspaper, an entire community grieved. The more we learned about Gavin's life, his impact and imprint upon the lives of young people around the world, the more senseless his death became. On a late fall morning, I woke up knowing I had to see Gavin's mother, make eye contact, wrap my arms around her, share a grieving mom's heart and simply lean in. Fourteen years earlier I had lost mo son, Alex, so I wanted her to know she was in for the most grueling journey of her lifetime. How can a mother go on without her son? Without hesitation she informed me she had important business to tend to. While sitting with this woman, I witness her unrelenting determination to seek justice for her son's killer. In the countless months that followed, behind continuing headlines and editorials, newscasts and media briefings, caravan travels to the California Legislature, there she was - this extraordinary woman. She towered in focus and stature to not only seek justice, but in doing so - sharing Gavin's life with the world. We began meeting to craft the story you are about to read. I did little, really - besides admire her from the sidelines, cheer her on, and weep while reading a commentary no mother should ever have to write. But in Rita's words, witing this story was non-negotiable. Losing Gavin ingnited a flame inside his mother's heart that will never be extinguished. In the final months of book writing, we occasionally met at a charming local hangout called Sierra Nuthouse. Over a glass of Chardonnay or Prosecco, we came to realize we were two women much greater than the sum of our broken parts - we had become sisters for life. As you venture into these pages you will experience a vast range of emotions - from shock and horror, anger, and frustration, to deep and unimaginable sorrow. But make no mistake, in its purest essence this book is about the power of love and humankind. And I promise - it will leave you breathless." - Armen Bacon, author of "Griefland: An Intimate Portrait of Love, Loss and Unlikely Friendship, from the Preface. ABOUT THE AUTHOR: (as of 2022) Rita, a two time breast cancer survivor, has lived in Fresno, California, for over 38 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Texas. She has been married to Gary Gladding for 51 years. They have 2 children, Gabrielle and Gavin (now deceased); with four grandchildren all living in Fresno. - (from the rear outer cover).…