Leading the Way: A Memoir

Leading the way tells the true story of Yonie Malig-on a woman born to an impoverished family whose beauty caught the eye of a man from a wealthy and influential family in their town. She fell in love with him not knowing that she would become a victim of emotional and physical abuse. Blinded by her love she really believed that his violent actions were nothing but expressions of love. Years later after she had broken up with him her uncle in Hawaii showed her photograph to a man who vowed never to marry again after his wife divorced him. But as fate had it he was drawn to the lovely face in the picture. He traveled all the way to her hometown in Tagbilaran City in Bohol Philippines to meet her. They fell in love at first glance and within a week he proposed to her. Alas her abusive former boyfriend would rather see her dead than married to someone else. It was a matter of luck that she survived her ordeal. Her marriage to the man she thought was her knight in shining armor was fine in the beginning. Four years into the marriage he became ill because of diabetic complications. She stayed true to their wedding vows despite her joyless marriage and the many temptations she faced being young beautiful and with a happy disposition. She took care of him dutifully while also acting as the sole breadwinner. Years later while providing care for her terminally ill husband cancer struck. The book tells of the inspiring story of a woman whose struggles in life motivated her to become a community leader and volunteer. It also offers inspirational and valuable tips on how to have a happy and meaningful life despite lifes challenges.