Just when things seem as bad as they can be, with Del torn between a mother who hates Del's Hispanic spouse and a spouse determined to be part of the family, Del's daughter makes an announcement which adds new and unsolvable racial tension to the stew-pot of problems. Mission Impossible turns into Mission Unthinkable. In recurring nightmares, Del drives but can't see the road ahead. Someone has curtained the windshield, or she moves through heavy fog or a blinding snowstorm-or her headlights won't come on. Again, she is not driving but riding the train-and her spouse climbs off and abandons her, promising, "I'll meet you in Syracuse." Something has to be done about the situation-but what? Is there a solution?

A beautifully written guide to how empathy and mindfulness help us connect with ourselves and others.