by co-founder, Alesandra Rain

Is there a limit to the amount of loss one person can survive? Is there a point from which the human spirit cannot return? Alesandra Rain unequivocally argues that we have reservoirs of strength that are only tapped in our darkest hours.

An auto accident early in life left her body shattered, and after nearly two-dozen surgeries, Alesandra built a rich life full of material success. But it was at the height of her career that she began a downward spiral that would leave her world shattered.

In her mid-thirties Alesandra met a man, fell deeply in love and within two years both married and opened a new business with him. While she worked to build a new life and company, her husband was daily slipping poison into her coffee and plotting to steal her personal and corporate wealth. As her health deteriorated, the money began to disappear. Within two years she was bankrupt, suffering seizures and left destitute. Her husband moved on to his next prey and Alesandra was left on a multitude of medications to treat the symptoms as the poison was misdiagnosed.

Eventually the poison was discovered and a series of treatments were implemented to free her body. However, just as she was beginning to rebuild what she had lost, the legal ramifications related to the collapse of the company surfaced. It left a wake of destruction drawing Alesandra into legal proceedings as a partner in a crime she didn't know was being committed. She was subsequently convicted of that crime and once again, left devastated.

Over the next decade Rain's health declined, leading to another ten operations on her spine. She became permanently disabled and addicted to a cocktail of sleeping pills, antidepressants and pain killers, living her life in a haze of addiction, afraid to reach for the world again.

Yet there was a thread to life that would not sever, and it was through the compassion of others that she reached to not only break the bonds of addiction, but also become an inspiration to millions. Her story has impassioned people from all walks of life. It transforms the separation of gender, age and racial lines into a unified voice - all seeking a journey back to life.

DEEDS OF TRUST is a compelling chronicle of betrayal, loss and the overwhelming strength of the human spirit. Alesandra Rain captures her riveting true story of deception and intrigue while putting a face on a worldwide issue.

###

Publish Date: September 2006 - LIMITED RELEASE
Hardcover Size: 6 x 9
ISBN 978-0-9778040-0-9

Out of print. Get your copy while they last.

Prologue

The interview was over and a sense of relief flooded through me. I knew the questions would be daunting and although Andrea had prepared me thoroughly, the adrenaline flowed freely. I had given dozens of interviews but this reporter touched the heart of my story.

I sat at my desk and my eyes floated through the room, seeing nothing but the ominous drawer, uncertain why I gave the documents a home. They were relegated to a box for seven years – why did I move them within reach? Behind a simple lock held the key to my past. The truth.

Three years ago my life looked entirely different. Blackness permeated every aspect and cast its cloak over my soul. I wasn’t sure I could make it back, or even if I wanted to. But some sliver of hope remained and pushed me through the darkness.

What began as a journey to the very core of my being became the seedlings of Point of Return. We touch lives on a daily basis that are brought to hope through our connection. Each day I wake with a renewed conviction to help others survive what I am convinced is the worst betrayal.

I swung my chair away from my desk and looked around my office. Transitory articles of our success serve as reminders of our purpose. But what keeps Andrea and myself motivated are the multitudes of telephone calls, letters and emails asking for help and thanking us for our efforts. They warm our hearts and fill the long hours that never seem to end. How can so many people be suffering? It is overwhelming but just when I think my exhaustion is too deep to respond to yet another email or telephone request, someone will call, reaching for a lifeline and I am filled with passion to continue. Would they still be grateful if they knew the whole story?

My eyes hesitated momentarily on each piece of art that documented my travels and therefore a good portion of my adult life. The lifeline stopped nearly fourteen years ago.

I glanced around and remember earlier times – my trip to Hong Kong, Hokkaido, Europe and the Grand Cayman Islands. I could feel a hint of the laughter and ease that symbolized how I moved through the world and approached life – All before I met him.

I looked out the window and saw the ocean shimmering. It looked so peaceful and comforting and reminded me of our wedding. I don’t remember ever being that young or so inexperienced at the sinister aspects of life. I didn’t know a black soul actually existed off the silver screen. I was a believer now.

The room began to squeeze me. I tried to shake off the foreboding sensations rippling through my skin but knew it would be impossible if I stayed indoors. The sun and sand called.

I scribbled a note and left it on my desk. I was known for my midday walks. Andrea would understand - she knew me so well. I grabbed my sunglasses, pushed open the door and slipped down the back stairs. I kicked off my shoes and headed toward the blue.

The second my toes slid into the sand my heart lifted. I pushed through the large dunes – craving the sensation of the waters edge. I pulled the salt air into my lungs and let my hair whip wildly in the strong breeze.

There were two small sailboats bobbing on the horizon, looking perfectly natural on the edge of the world. Throngs of seagulls filled the air, full of urgent calls. They were seeking food – I sought peace. I reached the soft waves in less than a minute and stood quietly. My thoughts were full of the past.

A few gulls stayed close, convinced I represented sustenance. Their dedication and tenacity brought a smile as I realized my memories couldn’t hurt me anymore. I could go back without being consumed.

I picked up my pace, determined to experience the freedom of movement. The birds eventually realized that I promised nothing nourishing and abandoned me in search of a better provider.

I was left with my thoughts and the quietude of a perfect California day as I pushed around a jagged rock cliff face and found my quiet spot up high – a safe pinnacle. From this distance I knew it was possible to reflect. The soft clouds floated above my head, taking me to a different time. I could imagine the sky on the day I met him, how innocent it all seemed. How could I ever have known how my life would be altered?

Chapter 1

A good con is woven like a tight web, much like a spider’s trap. It seems safe initially and then closes in around you. Deceit can wrap its tentacles so tightly that the truth is obscured. By the time the degree of danger is recognized, it is much too late. At least for me that is exactly how it developed – slowly and with great precision. It unfolded over an extended period of time with total dedication.

The adage “love is blind” isn’t exactly accurate. It is more that love can create a justification for outpoints in character.

Should I have seen the tidal wave coming? Probably. But like most storms of magnitude, it closed in quickly and with power...