SYNOPSIS:

This family drama is a timeless tale of overcoming loss, seeking personal redemption and the power of forgiveness. When Jenna goes missing at fourteen, a chain of tragic events leads her to seek redemption through various institutions--a group home, then marriage, a mental institution, then finally higher education. Although Jenna believes that each of these will be her path to salvation, it is only when she sheds them all that she finds her way. Their father, Pappy, is a damaged and abusive alcoholic. His toxic behavior chases away Lydia, a negligent mom who only joins him in self-destructive behavior after the death of their oldest daughter, Anita. With both Jenna and Lydia gone, Roger and Billy are left to fend for themselves until a kind stranger with a self-imposed guilty secret steps forward to intervene. Roger attempts his salvation first through manipulation. Although it costs him his relationship with his brother, he ultimately receives his deliverance by marrying into a beautiful family. Billy decides he is unable to rise above his upbringing. He strikes out west to Denver where he dabbles in alcoholism, drug abuse and the common hustle before a chance encounter with his mom sets him straight. His past pain and trauma threatens to shut him down completely, turning him into a self-absorbed and wounded man only driven by his next big accomplishment. In spite of all of this, Billy's salvation comes through strong mentors who see him at his worst and make choices to love him anyway. Jenna sets out to reunite her family when she learns Pappy is dying. Even he wants to be redeemed in the eyes of his children. In the end, the scars and wounds are healed by the power of love. Forgiveness of self and forgiveness of others liberates each of them on a path towards healing. This is a powerful redemption story, highlighting the human need in all of us to be validated, to be loved, and to be forgiven.