He felt enormous confusion about his identity, along with grief over the death of his beloved stepfather. This led him to a phase of drug use and crime. However, after working with black men in Louisville, Kentucky, and spending time with his sister Jack and her husband James who live there, he became convinced of the importance of self-sufficiency and hard work. He began to trust God and work toward self-improvement, honing his skills in jazz music and writing. During his senior year of high school, James was pleasantly surprised when he learned that he had been accepted to Oberlin College. He and his eleven siblings complete college and lead successful careers. Ruth remains close to her children and, later, her grandchildren, organizing holiday gatherings that remind James of his childhood family: chaotic, but delightfully active and