The plane struggles for altitude as we go shooting up past the clouds toward the blue sky and bright sun. The view is so exhilarating I feel nothing but awe at the beauty that surrounds me. I feel a sudden hot rush of tears to my eyes as I whisper quietly, "Wow, this is just like hitching a ride all the way to Heaven. These words have barely become more than a thought when I say out loud, "That's if there really is such a place." It would take many years of inner struggle and denial before I would find the truth. Here is my story.