Road 19

Road 19 is a very real place that represents the beginning foundation of what has become my family.

And we're not just your typical family either. Some things that were, and are, prevelant in my family stand out as extraordinary for sure.

Very big highs and debilitating lows have found us in many ways through several generations thus far.

As honest as I can be about my family’s personal story, I must say, it is fascinating to realize all that took place!

Yesterday, I was hurt, angry and confused. Today, I am happier and more aware.

The difference was not created through therapy or found in a church.

No drugs (prescribed or otherwise) have been used.

In fact, no external source can be credited. 

One simple, yet complicated to admit reality is all it took.

Through the creation of this book and my family’s story, I have come to realize

True understanding is found far beyond the obvious.

Childhood exposures set me on a path of adult experiences that have seemed extremely frustrating at times.

During most of my young adult years, I was simply in denial. I didn’t even want to look at any old family photos.

Scars were deep, resentments were strong, so I set out to detach myself from my family’s past.

I did this for a very long time, way too long in fact.

Now, through the open-minded perspective that has thankfully found me as I have aged, I have looked deep into my family history. Far beyond the obvious that engulfed my attention span for many years, I found a lot of understanding, my understanding. Now, I wish to record a deep and somewhat detailed exposure of our legacy.

I invite you in to our past. Joe


About the Author


My name is Joe Gwerder. I was born in 1959 and still live in my native home area of Yolo county California. My family's roots are deep and very diversified in this area. This is a book about my family that encompasses several generations and focuses on the years of the 1940's through the 1970's. Much happened before and during my childhood that most would call extreme... me included. This story is based on true events within my family. I have written many things and even published a few other books, but this personal story was by far the most challenging. It is very emotional at times. During the 3 years it took me to be satisfied with this composition, I internally relived those earlier days as I put the words into what has become this book. I finally looked through many old family photos that were handed down to me, that I had kept hidden away in boxes until now. While doing this, I realized a few things that have been waiting a very long time to surface. I needed to quit hiding from my past and instead, embrace it fully so I could create the written legacy I have been waiting to do for so long. 

The creation of this book has brought me an unexpected healing. Deep wounds from a childhood filled with contrast and conflict have been locked up inside me for 50 years. Now, with the creation of this story, I have found it to be true, sometimes the teacher learns the most.