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"I get abused and hurt so much, and no one seems to care ... " These are real words written by a real girl. There are thousands more just like her. Her pain is real. Her story is true. But her voice has been hidden ... until now. For those who will dare to listen to the truth, tragedy, and triumph found in the desperate words of a generation eclipsed by the white noise of a culture too busy to care, there are incredible stories to be unearthed. This book is a shocking, inspirational expos of just a few of these stories - hidden in plain sight. It is written in response to thousands of personal letters and messages, both for those in crisis and for those who share that crisis with them everyday. These are the stories, the responses, and ultimately the hope that we all should own for each other. As one of the most sought-after public speakers in the world, Reggie Dabbs has shared his own incredible story with millions of adults and students each year for the past twenty-five years. Because of social media, many of them share their own stories with him in return. These letters contain their stories with names and details changed to protect their anonymity, having otherwise been kept in their original form. They are followed by Reggie's actual response of hope to that individual. John Driver, MS - a former public secondary educator, as well as a fifteen-year community youth advocate and mentor - adds additional insight and "Breathable Moments" for educators, parents, friends, and family. Equipping readers to help those in crisis continue breathing another day, Just Keep Breathing provides both the inspiration and the information needed to respond confidently and appropriately - and see those we care about make it to another sunrise.



About the Author

Reggie Dabbs

Born to an unwed teenager, Reggie Dabbs considers himself fortunate to be alive. With no place to go, the pregnant teenager ended up living in a chicken coop in Tennessee. It was there she remembered a former school teacher, Mrs. Dabbs, who had said to her students, "If you ever need anything, call me," and gave the students her home phone number. The girl called.

Mrs. Dabbs and her husband, whose six children were adults by this time, took the girl into their home and cared for her until after the baby was born. They continued to care for little Reggie as foster parents until he was in the fourth grade, and then they officially adopted him and gave him the Dabbs name.

As the Dabbs' reared Reggie, they instilled in him strong moral values, for which he is genuinely grateful. They also ingrained in him the fact that in every situation he faced, he had a choice. What he did with those choices was entirely up to him.

In the sixth grade, Reggie began playing the saxophone and hated it. At the insistence of his parents he continued to practice and to play. Not until his freshman year in college did he actually enjoy the instrument, and today, he plays with fervor and expertise.
After graduating from college, Reggie began his public speaking. During one speaking engagement, his host asked if he would be interested in addressing a high school assembly. From that small beginning in 1987, Reggie has become a popular public school speaker.

When addressing a school assembly, Reggie talks to the kids in a humorous style about choices each of them has when faced with drugs, alcohol, suicide, etc. Reggie gets in kids faces and tells them that he never smoked a cigarette, never did drugs, never drank alcohol, because he chose not to. He assures them that they can make the same kinds of choices.

Reggie talks to kids about family and how thankful they should be that they have families. He talks to them about dating relationships and emphasizes that virginity is the most honorable choice. Most of all, Reggie drives home the fact that "You can never change your past, but you can change your future!"

From being a "Problem" to an unwed teenager, Reggie is one of the world's most in-demand speakers who helps teenagers meet their problems head-on and overcome them.

Reggie makes his home in Ft. Myers, Florida with his wife Michele and their son Dominic.



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