The Child Speaks” is a powerful memoir of pain, loss, addiction, poor choices, and incarceration—but ultimately, it is a story of healing and transformation. Through honest reflection, the author shares how years of trauma and silence led him into darkness until a life-changing friendship in prison introduced him to the concept of “The God Box,” a spiritual tool that helped him release buried pain and begin healing. The book offers deeply personal accounts of grief, fear, and isolation while encouraging others to speak their truth and understand they are not alone. 

Today, the author’s journey from suffering to purpose is reflected in his role as President and CEO of Great Lakes Dryhootch, where he dedicates his life to supporting veterans. The author recognizes those in his life who have assisted him along the way.  He expresses his gratitude first to his mother, Geraldine Winstead, and secondly to Robert W., who guided him through the dark period in prison and introduced him to the concept of “The God Box.” 

Sheila Angel, B.S.W.

Department of Corrections Case Manager

Otis, As someone who knows your heart and your work, I see your lived compassion in every chapter. This book isn’t just a memoir; it’s a gift, a guide, and a beacon for anyone who has felt lost, broken, or silenced. You’ve turned your scars into light for others, walking with a purpose that lifts those around you. I am proud of you, not just for writing this but for living it daily and offering hope where it’s needed most.

Reading The God Box moved me in ways I didn’t expect. Your story, raw, courageous, and unfiltered, pulled me into a space where honesty meets healing, where pain finds its voice, and where faith becomes a lifeline. Every page reflects the heart of a man who not only survived the depths but rose with purpose, carrying wisdom that can guide others out of their own darkness.

What touched me most was the way you honored the child within, the one who endured, the one who waited to be acknowledged, and ultimately the one who spoke through your journey. Your willingness to revisit that wounded child shows a strength that so many people never reach. It reminded me that healing doesn’t come from perfection; it comes from truth.

With deep admiration,

Nora