"This is the ... personal story of a priest in a Chicago parish coming to terms with what the priesthood demands of a man in a great modern city."--Page [3].

"Built on her ... Modern Love column, 'When a Couch is More Than a Couch' (9/23/2016), a ... memoir of living meaningfully with 'death in the room' by the 38-year-old great-great-great granddaughter of Ralph Waldo Emerson--mother to two young boys, wife of 16 years--after her terminal cancer diagnosis"--

Since she was a child, the trauma had been all too familiar for Mommy. Some girls dream of becoming housewives and mothers when they become adults. Some girls dream of having careers. Mommy wanted it all!She wanted a soulmate, children, and a career. But achieving her goals would not come without a heavy price. She experienced bullying, physical, mental abuse and became homeless. By the time Mommy was in her early 40s, she and her children made newspaper headlines and media outlets across the United States because of yet another traumatic experience. The family and career that she worked so hard to create had ceased to exist. Someone from Mommy's family would pay a price. Could her family survive another traumatic event?

Nine black men have paved the way for you to see that you can successfully reach your desired objective, level or goal through effort, skill, hard work, and courage. Take this journey and engage in topics ranging from how to become and serve as a historical role model for today's young black men to identifying your true source of hope that will propel you to grow. While life throws seemingly insurmountable obstacles your way, it is important to remember that many have come before you and many are coming after you who need your story to help encourage them. Being treated unfair and unjust does not determine your success in life. What you have a passion for will propel you to accomplish your purpose ,if you don't give up or remain in fear. Identify ways to develop your innermost desires and goals because you are a living model to someone who aspires to be just like you. Younger brothers are going to do exactly what you do in an attempt to be like you. Are you making decisions you want them to imitate? If they made the same choices that you are making would you be proud of them? Explore ways to enhance your life and those who are following in your footsteps. This book will challenge you to grow into a stronger, more emboldened version of yourself. We need you to lead and I look forward to taking this enlightening journey with you through the words I have to share.