Soon after that terrible day, a series of experiences and two distinct stories began to unfold that have changed my life as profoundly as my baby daughter’s disappearance. Beginning small and swelling to larger and larger waves, I began to experience a personal, spiritual awakening. It registered so prominently that even amidst the chaos and mental challenges, I experienced an inner core of peace, and I began to flow real compassion toward my wife, regardless of the outcome of the situation.

Only days after they left I began to feel an urgency to write to Lucia, whom I desperately missed. There was no way to know when or how we would be reunited nor was an actual address known. Although Lucia was not old enough to read, writing the letters to her became an outlet for constant thoughts of her and a channel for my emotions. The profound shift in understanding that I have been experiencing has inspired me to identify a set of principles for leading a purposeful life and share them through daily letters to my daughter. This book, Letters for Lucia, brings together many of the letters, discovery of these principles, and aspects of my spiritual journey.