Gators, snakes and mosquitoes slithered through the Miami swamp. Native born Veronica Hamilton, had to wade through murky waters as she struggled to reach the clear blue. It was not all swaying palm trees and sandy white beaches. Transients and refugees drifted through in sporadic waves as the Cuban missile crisis boiled over. Scarface’s gang reigned after all the prisoners and miscreants from Castro’s boatlift became wards of Florida. Life was exciting and mysterious. Experiences smoldering below the surface ready to ignite, giving a new meaning to the words naturally terrifying. Veronica Hamilton is living proof that destiny’s path is unpredictable and quick thinking is the key to survival as the tide turns. It is hard to believe it all began in a search for freedom in paradise. Who knew the price she would have to pay?