“I Call You Perfect” is a heartfelt tribute that captures the life of Khayden, a young man who exemplified perfection in every role he played—son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, student, and friend. born in Chicago in 2000 and raised in Charlotte, Khayden stood out for his intelligence, kindness, and charm. throughout his academic journey, he demonstrated brilliance, earning accolades such as participation in the Duke talent identification program and the Kipp step summer program at Deerfield academy. he was also an alumnus of the ‘a better chance’ program, ensuring his path to success.
Ora Jackson
Author, Writer, Storyteller
NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE PERSON YOU THINK YOU KNOW
The Other Side of Darkness
In “The Other Side of Darkness,” Nya navigates the complexities of her life, shaped by the powerful influences of her grandmother, Stella, and the deeply rooted connections to her family. Raised by her grandmother, who provided both love and discipline, Nya’s childhood was filled with the warmth of familial bonds and the shadows of past traumas.
As she grows up, Nya’s world is a delicate balance between admiration and longing. She idolizes her mother, Stella, who she sees as the epitome of grace and strength. Yet, Nya grapples with the reality that their relationship lacks the closeness she shares with her grandmother. The decisions made by the adults in her life, including her uncles and aunts who treated her like a sibling, leave Nya questioning her place within the family and the broader world.
The story follows Nya through the trials of adulthood as she strives to build a life of her own. From the challenges of being a young mother to the pursuit of a successful career, Nya’s journey is one of resilience and determination. But as she forges her own path, the shadows of her past—and the complex relationships with her family—continue to influence her decisions and her understanding of love, loyalty, and identity.
“The Other Side of Darkness” is a compelling exploration of family dynamics, the search for identity, and the strength it takes to step out of the shadows of the past and into the light of self-discovery. Nya’s story is one of overcoming adversity, understanding the complexities of love, and finding the courage to define her own future.
A STORY OF MISPLACED TRUST AND SELF-REALIZATION
Never Again
Divorce with two children on her hands, Liz was looking for the perfect man to help her get back on her feet. She thought she had found him in Eric, a handsome, wealthy, debonaire man of the world, twice Liz’s age who seemed to have stepped from the pages
of a romance novel.
But things start to go awry when Eric tries to take charge of every aspect of Liz’s life, telling her what friends she can and can’t see and when she can go out. Liz also starts to wonder where Eric gets all his money and why he seems to be testing her in such a suspicious manner all the time.
Who is Eric, really? And is his love and wealth worth it when she also has to put up with his controlling personality and mysterious secrets? Can she leave him without getting hurt – or worse?
Liz’s friend Theresa faces a similar dilemma when, almost simultaneously, she begins to discover that her husband James has a few secrets of his own. Why is he having furniture delivered to another address? And how long has this been going on? Was there
an innocent explanation? Theresa was determined to find out for herself.
When you already have what society tells you to aspire to be, the biggest temptation is complacency. Will the two friends have the strength and determination to escape from their own worlds of illusion? Can either of them ever trust a man again? Or learn to
love again?
Never Again is a story of misplaced trust and self-realization. Its timely message – that integrity and truth have to come first in all relationships and that no amount of material wealth is worth trading your soul for – will inspire all those who have found
themselves caught in a web of deception.
About The Author
In 1986, I embarked on a significant chapter of my life, stepping into the world of public service by joining the government workforce. I quickly learned the intricacies of bureaucracy and the importance of precision in my work. My role was demanding yet fulfilling, providing me with a sense of purpose and stability. For six years, I dedicated myself to my responsibilities, gaining invaluable experience and a deep appreciation for the discipline required to thrive in such an environment.
By 1992, however, life began pulling me in a different direction. My husband and I shared a dream of entrepreneurship, and together, we decided to take a leap of faith. I resigned from my government position, and we launched an Information Technology Consultant company. It was an exhilarating venture, filled with both challenges and triumphs. We poured our hearts and minds into building the business, navigating the fast-paced world of technology and innovation. For nearly a decade, our efforts bore fruit as the company thrived, providing solutions to clients and a livelihood for our family.
Then came the tragic events of 9/11/2001, which brought about a seismic shift in the economy. Business began to slow, and the thriving enterprise we had built together faced hurdles we couldn’t overcome. Reluctantly, we made the difficult decision to close the company. It was a bittersweet moment, but one that also opened the door to new possibilities.
During this transitional period, I found solace and inspiration in writing. The culmination of my thoughts and creativity resulted in my first novel, ‘Never Again’. A story of misplaced trust and self-realization, allowing me to channel my emotions and experiences into something tangible and meaningful. Writing became a newfound passion, one that would continue to shape my journey.
Determined to further my personal growth, I decided to return to school. Balancing the demands of academia and family life was no small feat, but I persevered, earning degrees in Business Management and Criminal Justice. These achievements reignited my ambition and paved the way for my return to the government workforce.
With my newfound knowledge and experience, I re-entered public service with a fresh perspective. I applied myself diligently, steadily climbing the ranks. My hard work and dedication culminated in my appointment as Chief of Accounting. It was a role that brought immense satisfaction and pride, as I oversaw critical operations and contributed to the organization’s success. This chapter lasted until 2023, when I made the decision to resign and embark on yet another new adventure.
Since leaving the government, I’ve fully embraced my passion for writing. I’ve written two additional books, including ‘The Other Side of Darkness’ a compelling exploration of family dynamics and a heartfelt dedication to my grandson who I lost recently due to mental Illness, which we do not talk about enough titled ‘I Call You Perfect’. Each project has been a journey of discovery and creativity. Now, as I work on my fourth book, I find myself reflecting on the tapestry of experiences that have shaped my life—from my early days in government service to the heights of entrepreneurship, academia, and authorship. The journey has been anything but linear, but it has been uniquely mine, filled with lessons, growth, and the pursuit of dreams.