As I approach my 59th birthday, I choose to reflect over my life and career choices. Knowing that I am much closer to the end of my life than the beginning, puts a different prospective on what I have accomplished, failed at, or simply had been too afraid to even dream about. Dreams, visions, fantasies, allow our individual minds to escape from routine or mundane lifestyles. Somehow, I always let reality smother my mind's yearnings.

Thoughts of greatness or grandeur, being wildly successful, acknowledged and respected by one's peers, having hordes of people wanting to emulate my life, certainly did not apply to me. My conservative upbringing, being told that learning a trade was more important than going to college, was a map I chose to follow. Only now, do I seem to have the courage to follow my heart, and make my dreams, visions, and fantasies a reality.

Knowing now, that success is the focus of one's mind, something anyone can choose to do, gives me the inspiration to contribute this website. Although my law enforcement career brought some satisfaction, as did my prior career as a carpenter, working on some of the tallest "Skyscrapers" in San Francisco, there was still a void in my heart. About seven to eight years ago, I started to have this one image drift in and out of my thoughts. I never took it that seriously, but it always continued to linger.

As I did, many people equate success to money, which is now known to be a fallacy. One can be tremendously successful, extremely powerful, without wealth. Many peoples, from many different corners of the world, have profoundly influenced their cultures without the reward of riches. I once heard the saying "Do what you love and the money will follow." Perhaps that saying is truthful, but most importantly the saying begins with doing what you are passionate about, not the bottom line.

Currently, I am self-employed as a security consultant, in Livermore, CA. A close associate, someone I have known since childhood, promotes the philosophy "It is not about the money, it is about being the best you can be." Encompassing all my life's teachings, but following a renewed spirit, I embark on my own personal journey.

Knowing it is only I who can fully acknowledge my success or desires, I am completely confident that HeavenForbid.org is the right beginning in my quest to fulfill my "Image" that has been with me so long. Today, I know where I am at, I know where I am going to be, I suppose the real adventure begins with how I get there. The "Image" that would never leave my thoughts was one of helping people. Helping those more or less fortunate does not matter, the only constant is being able to help or assist.

As a little boy, I always wanted to be a policeman. After three years in the United States Marine Corps, I still wanted to be a cop. Finally, after 13 years as a carpenter, I became a deputy sheriff. I finally realized, as I began to write this paragraph, my image or dream has been a lifetime goal. As I approach my senior years, I still envision the same thoughts I had as a little boy, good will be triumphant over evil.

With this in mind, I hope that you will embrace HeavenForbid.org as a tool that may save the life of a family member or friend. Sincerely, may God bless you, your family, and friends. As I said earlier, I hope this site serves as nothing more than a journal to show personal and family growth. Heaven forbid that violence ever touches you or your loved ones.

If I can be of further assistance, please feel free to contact me via telephone at 925.876.3300 or by e-mail at dfraser@heavenforbid.org.

Very truly yours, David Fraser, ACSO (Ret)