I don't pretend that this book, written after 51 years as an attorney and 77 years of living, will be popular. Criticism is a risk worth assuming, and speaking out against the Establishment's wrongdoings is risky, but worthwhile and often necessary.

Some call it "speaking truth to power. " This can be done with civility, diplomacy, and even kindness on occasion, and works best when done so.

I do enjoy writing. Most authors draw from their own experiences.

Mine is from the rich ore of my own legal work, involved with helping people struggling with bullies. Such work is my hobby.

I have experienced my share of knocks and bruises. A huge part of life is learning how to "roll with the punches," and "keep on keeping on.

" Both lawyers and writers require perseverance. This final book was begun in early July 2022 from the cabin room Leslie and I were sharing on a ferryboat cruise in the Arctic Ocean.

We enjoy world traveling, another hobby. I hope the readers of this book will have learned something.

These true-life stories, together with my analysis of bullying, involve the predicaments of life. I hope to encourage people to stand up to the bullies in their lives.

That sometimes involves fighting back-metaphorically, not physically. A smile, a chuckle, or a kind word are much better than a threat or self-defensive assault.

It is sad that social media has given rise to too many hostile users. Hot-button political issues include abortion, gun rights, and proper law enforcement parameters.

These issues abound, dividing families and friends. Political correctness abuse exists equally on both the left and right.

This sometimes foments bullies. This leads me to my major point.

Stay in good touch with God, as Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, or all three. You can be Protestant, Catholic, Jew, Orthodox, or even a non-believer.

A true relationship with Jesus Christ as Lord usually leads to compassion. It involves a greater kindness towards others via the Great Commandment: one must love one's neighbor as oneself.

If you truly love your neighbor, you will reap much better consequences. This includes better health as well as longer life.

Being grounded in the solid rock of a loving relationship with God is foundational to joy and peace. It is a better pathway to life with our Maker, in the eternal realm.

No one knows how many years we have left. Leslie and I look forward to growing closer to God and humankind.

Thus we will better enjoy life on earth until we graduate to our eternal home. - Julian L.

McPhillips Jr. .