In a recent podcast episode, I had the privilege of speaking with Susan Snow, the daughter of an LAPD detective whose life was tragically taken in a Halloween ambush back in 1985. The harrowing incident unfolded while he was picking up his 6-year-old son from school, and the boy was a witness to the horrifying event. It was an act of sheer bravery on his part that saved his son’s life.
At the time, Susan, then known as Susan Williams, was just 17 and already grappling with a tumultuous relationship with her mother. Her story, however, is one of resilience, healing, and a profound journey toward self-discovery that unfolded over many years.
Susan’s path to healing was far from linear. Her initial experience with therapy left her feeling failed and disheartened. But here’s the crucial message she brings: don’t let one negative experience deter you from seeking help. It did hold her back for a considerable period, but eventually, with the assistance of another therapist many years later, Susan found the support she needed to heal.
Her healing journey, so powerfully documented in her book “The Other Side of the Gun,” has brought her to a place where she now shares her story through speaking engagements. What’s even more remarkable is her goal to speak on a stage in front of 10,000 people. This aspiration isn’t about seeking attention; it’s a passionate desire to spread the message of happiness and the possibility of living an incredible life, regardless of past traumas.
Susan understands the yearning to share the light of hope and happiness with others who may be suffering. It’s a calling that arises from a deep place of empathy and a sincere belief that no one has to remain trapped in darkness.
Of course, Susan acknowledges that this journey isn’t easy. It demands unwavering commitment and hard work. But as the burdens of the past are gradually shed, it becomes a liberating and, in many ways, an addictive process. The need to share that newfound light and hope becomes an overwhelming driving force.
So, yes, Susan’s journey resonates deeply with so many who have experienced their own trials and tribulations. Her story is a testament to the human capacity for transformation, and it’s an inspiration to all of us who seek to help others find their way to the other side of pain and suffering.
I had the honor of meeting Susan in person, along with Amanda Blackwood, a courageous survivor of Human Trafficking. While the details are still taking shape, the three of us are joining forces, reaching out to our network, and seeking support from kind-hearted individuals to organize a meaningful event. Perhaps, with determination, we might even reach that ambitious goal of gathering 10,000 people someday.
Without Regret The Podcast 