While preparing the proposal for our new Rodney King book project, I was asked how I felt about his recently announced engagement to Cynthia Kelly. I don’t know Cynthia very well, having spent only one evening with her, but she impressed me as an upbeat, happy person who is excited about becoming an important part of Rodney’s future.
The romantic in me believes in the power of love. I have seen the positive effect it hadon Steven Adler when we wrote his book “My Appetite for Destruction.” Steven’s love for his wife Carolina has had a very positive influence on his making music again and his staying sober. He wants Carolina to be proud of him, and she in return inspires his creativity and encourages his sobriety.
Much of “My Appetite for Destruction” focuses on Steven’s twenty-year battle with
addiction. When he felt the love of his family and the band, he was happiest, but when they abandoned him, he slipped into the dark side. Often the drugs were his only way to cope with the loss and emptiness. Desperate to escape these feelings, he would try to numb himself completely. This only postponed the inevitable onslaught of a vicious, debilitating depression. The only thing that could break the cycle was a real and lasting love. He has found that in Carolina.
[pagebreak]
I pray that Cynthia be the same kind of life partner for Rodney. During my interviews with Rodney, I was very touched by his devotion to his three daughters. Part of Rodney’s desire to rehabilitate and stay clean draws from his determination not to let them down. He wants to be there for his girls, he wants to support them, and he wants them to be proud of their father. Therefore, I believe this engagement is Rodney’s way of nurturing and extending that love. If his bond with Cynthia makes him stronger and happier, then I am all for it.
