Life Can Change in a Heartbeat. And Recovery from Trauma Is Possible. On Halloween night 1985, Susan Williams' life changed forever when her father, LAPD Detective Thomas C. Williams, was ambushed and killed. This compelling story of Susan's (and her family's) loss and the road to recovery from trauma provides hope and practical guidance for others whose lives have been touched by violence and loss. Years passed and a second loss impacted Susan before she reclaimed her life, learned how to manage PTSD, and found a path to vulnerability with courage, loss without victimhood, and love with forgiveness.