Free Ticket to Heaven

By Ian Smith

This book is a true story from my heart. As my life unfolds before you, I hope you will see the truth for yourself and discover an inner meaning for your life.

My life has touched many lives, but as you will see, has not left a good impression of my past.

If I could have changed anything, at the time it would have been to listen to those who loved me. In my own way, by telling this story, it's perhaps a way of saying I am sorry for all the people I have let down, but most of all that you may understand the grace of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit that will work in your life if you will only believe.

This book was not only a challenge to write but to relive my life moment by moment, was like a second chance to put things right. I hope you will see that it's not about how you start as much as how you finish.

"Ian Smith is a natural storyteller. In this brutally honest autobiography, he shares his painful past to give others hope."  --Jennifer L.

"You will not only learn in Ian's book about his infidelity in marriage, but you'll also see how one can experience infidelity healing.  Ian's story is a story of inspiration and hope!"  --Nick N.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ian Smith
• Release date: Oct 18, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386965015

Ian Smith

Ian was born in Hollywood, Birmingham, England. He qualified as a diesel mechanic, which opened doors for him to travel. In his early twenties, he relocated to East London, South Africa, where he met his wife, Kathryn, and married her two and a half years later. After thirty years of marriage, Ian proudly boasts of three sons and a daughter, daughter-in-law and one grandson. Ian loves life and loves people. His name aptly describes him, meaning - God is gracious.

Book preview

Foreword

This book is a true story from my heart. As my life unfolds before you I hope you will see the truth for yourself and discover an inner meaning for your life. My life has touched many lives, but as you will see, has not left a good impression of my past.

If I could have changed anything, at the time it would have been to listen to those who loved me. In my own way, by telling this story, it’s perhaps a way of saying I am sorry for all the people I have let down, but most of all that you may understand the grace of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit that will work in your life if you will only believe.

This book was not only a challenge, but to relive my life moment by moment, was like a second chance to put things right. I hope you will see that it’s not about how you start as much as how you finish.

The Broad Road

Innocence lost—-

My story starts in England. About thirty-three years ago I was sweet sixteen and had never been kissed, or should I say, never wanted to be kissed. I tried hard to dodge the grans and aunties; it wasn’t cool to be kissed by the older generation. Now I wonder if it was my English upbringing or my own embarrassment that stopped me from showing love because now that I am older it means so much to me. 

I had just left school. Because of my poor school qualifications and not really knowing what line to follow in a career, I accepted an apprenticeship with a local engineering company as a diesel mechanic. Previously I had been to two other interviews; one with a tire company as a trainee tire fitter, and the other as a policeman with the transport division. My father had taken me to both interviews, the last being the far better choice. Looking back I wish I had seen my father’s wisdom. The thing I did not like about the police job, which would have been the most suitable for me, was that I would have to have my hair cut. It turns out I would pay a price for that long hair.

I had started my working career as a mechanic, but not really fitting in and in some way, to make life bearable, I would escape by making my night life my ultimate goal, a fantasy life where I could live out my dreams.

I had met an exchange student in the town where I lived. I could see he found it hard to make friends so I arranged to go out with him. One evening, after calling a taxi, we picked him up on our way to the most popular nightclubs in the town. On arrival I was quite anxious because of my age: to enter the club you had to be twenty-five and over. My friend was much older than me. We went in. They seemed to not notice me. We paid at the door and went up the staircase into the club. The atmosphere was electric; the base from the music seemed to move my whole body and the neon lighting changed our clothing into blue light. We made our way to the bar. I had been drinking for a few years now, it was a part of growing up in England; it seemed to demonstrate my manhood. Had I only know the truth then...

We ordered a few drinks and from our place at the bar, we checked out the talent or in other words, the girls. On looking around, it wasn’t long until my eyes caught the attention of a woman who smiled back at me. Seeing that she was sitting with a friend, I urged my friend to go over too. We went over, introduced ourselves and sat down with them. Trying to talk to them was quite difficult because the music was so loud; the lights were also dim. I could see the woman I was talking to was much older than me. She was a school teacher. We got on well; my friend was also hitting it off with her mate. After more drinks and some dancing the evening came to a close. We were invited back to the flat which they shared. One thing I have learned about alcohol and the slow intoxication of the body, is that it puts you on a level excluding reality, allowing you to do and be anything you want, putting aside your cognizance of your body’s own protection against self-destruction. In this free-will state it is dangerous; I wonder how many have fallen...

We accepted and went back to their flat. My date drove us in her car. Once there, we sat down, had more to drink and listened to music. My friend’s date had taken a turn for the worse; she was not really interested in him but patiently excused herself. He had decided to go, asking me to go with him to share the taxi. I replied I would make my own way home. It would prove to be a vital mistake. He left, leaving me alone with a girl I hardly knew. We were sitting on the floor, music playing; we kissed, my hands were not restricted; it was too late, there would be no return for me. It’s funny, I thought I was in control. We made our