The Long Road Back

By Brook Weathersby

Being brought up by loving parents in a Christian home didn't prepare Jenna for what the world would teach her. A naturally, optimistic, and happy girl would soon learn the shock of cruelty and abuse, the pain of a broken heart, and the strength that it took to rebuild a broken life. More importantly, she would learn the importance of seeking God's will, listening for His voice, and accepting His forgiveness. Mistakes seemed to be a regular occurrence in her life and with each, she learned more about the Grace and Mercy of God and the faithfulness of his love. Robbed of her innocence, confidence, and self-esteem and faced with the reality that life was almost never ideal, Jenna sought to accept reality without becoming hard or cynical. Seeking refuge in the arms of God and the shelter of her parents gave Jenna the place to reflect and grow as she healed and gained strength to begin again.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Christian Faith Publishing, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 14, 2022
• ISBN: 9781685177829

Book preview

Chapter 1

And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. Don’t be troubled…

—Matthew 24:6

October 1969 (eighteen months earlier)

The halls were full of excitement as the students were gathering things from their lockers and rushing to Homeroom. Talk of homecoming lightened the somber mood that usually permeated the halls, due to the Vietnam War, and Jenna was grateful for the reprieve.

A blanket of fear and anxiety had cloaked the atmosphere of the country since the assassination of President John F. Kennedy (a much-loved and respected president). In 1963, Lee Harvey Oswald shocked the entire world and left an ambiance of foreboding in the United States. Negativity permeated the atmosphere. There was bickering among the politicians, which trickled down into the general public. United wasn’t the way Jenna would describe her country at the present time.

Everyone had watched as President Kennedy was laid to rest and the vice-president (Lyndon B. Johnson) was inaugurated as president. The American people were shaken to the core. And when a man by the name of Jack Ruby killed the alleged assassin before he was able to offer an explanation, everyone felt robbed of the closure that was so needed.

There were conspiracy theories going around, which caused mistrust and cast a shadow on the new administration. It was apparent to most that a cover-up was being affected and the truth buried. That year left a lingering cynicism and a lot of unanswered questions in the footprint of American history.

President Johnson’s views were very different from those of the Kennedy administration (especially concerning the civil rights movement) and no one knew what to expect with him as president. As if the cloud of sorrow created by the death of a beloved president wasn’t enough, the lack of confidence in the new leadership perpetuated fear and uncertainty at a time when the possibility of more involvement in the Vietnam War headlined all the newspapers.

On August 7 of 1964, only nine months after assuming the role of president, Lyndon B. Johnson announced support for South Vietnam and began the escalation of ground presence and war tactics on the premise that Communism had already taken over in North Vietnam and could not be allowed to spread further. United States aid was increased by three thousand soldiers per month (mostly air troops) by February of 1965 and was increased with ground troops to thirty-three thousand per month by October of 1965.

Because of the involuntary draft reinstated by President Johnson, thousands of American boys, just out of high school, were leaving every day for the jungles of Vietnam and the country was rising up in protest. Body bags were coming in by the dozens as the war continued to escalate.

The political climate was a lot worse by 1968. The country was fed up with the war and the ongoing battle between Congressional parties. The only hope for the future seemed to be the Reverend Martin Luther King Jr., a black minister from Atlanta, Georgia, who traveled from one rally to another preaching about truth, justice, and equality.

He wasn’t the radical type, but rather the teacher of a better way. He didn’t believe in violence, entitlement, or blaming the white man for his circumstance. He encouraged the black population to put their energy into education rather than violence, and forward thinking rather than living in the past. He preached peace and love in the truest form. The form of God in heaven. He was a good man with a burden for his race and worked hard to find a better way for all people.

Reverend King had been involved in the civil rights movement since 1955, when he was an active part of the Montgomery Bus Boycott, which opposed the designated place for blacks to sit in the back. At the age of twenty-six, he became the most recognized activist in the fight for equality. He was respected by all races because he spoke the truth in love and dampened the flames of hate and violence. He was largely responsible for the Civil Rights Act and the Voting Rights Act for African Americans, which changed American law and proclaimed equality for all. He worked tirelessly as a peaceful proponent for civil rights until he was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 4 of 1968, which stunned and saddened many Americans, both black and white.

His assassination brought about the rise and notoriety of the Black Panther movement, which was radical and racially tainted. This group, though influenced to remain peaceful by Dr. King, was more inclined to believe that violence was the way to achieve the equality they deserved. Dr. King’s assassination served to confirm their way of thinking.

They were based in New York, but instrumental in promoting riots that began to erupt in major cities all over the country. They sought to be heard through violence; burning establishments, looting, and viciously attacking the white American.

The National Guard had to be activated in many states to squelch the violent protest. But even with them, the rioting lasted for several weeks. Many people lost their establishments, others their homes, some their lives, and many lost their faith in mankind.

As if the death of Dr. King wasn’t enough to intensify the fear and desperation of the American people, two months later, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, brother of the late president and an influential advocate for civil rights, was assassinated just after announcing his bid for the presidency. Robert, known as Bobby, had been a member of President John F. Kennedy’s cabinet and his work for the civil rights movement had advanced and strengthened, using the democratic process. His death renewed speculation about the real reason President John F. Kennedy had been assassinated. It all seemed to stem from the corrupt racial bias that existed in particular areas of high-level politics.

When the investigation into Bobby’s assassination led to controversy about the number of shooters involved and shots fired, conspiracy theories erupted again. The American people were becoming more and more concerned about the possibility of widespread government corruption. Although, never proven, many people believed that a corrupt web of the government had intertwined itself nationwide, lurking in the shadows to seek out and destroy those who perpetuated civil rights.

At a time when morale had eroded because of the Vietnam War, people would join a movement because it felt better than watching helplessly as their country began to lose its strength of moral foundation. The Hippie Nation had risen to resist the war. The Ku Klux Klan had risen to stamp out the racial equality movement. The Black Panthers rose up in answer to the KKK agenda. And then there was a silent movement that lurked in the dark to spur these groups on without being identified publicly. The war had foreshadowed the current political climate and effected change in the heart of America in ways that would only be defined through time.

This was a war unlike any experienced before. Its effects were far reaching abroad and at home. Soldiers were returning home mentally and emotionally damaged because of barbaric tactics used by the enemy. American soldiers were fighting with honor and dignity while respecting humanity against a foe that had no such characteristics and used whatever methods they could to win.

It was impossible to identify successfully who was friend or foe. That alone caused many American deaths. Strapping bombs to small children and sending them into the midst of the US military was a disturbing tactic used by the Viet Cong. They neither respected life nor obeyed international war laws.

By 1969, there had been few victories and many losses and the majority of Americans were questioning the validity of the cost to humanity. Returning vets were protesting vocally and tossing their dog tags on the steps of the Pentagon as a way of informing the American public of a war that many considered unjust. Not only were they battling the unmerciful tactics of the North Vietnamese, but they weren’t being supported sufficiently by the South Vietnamese.

This war had not been declared by Congress, but manipulated by President Johnson. That represented the reason for a lot of resentment concerning the draft and the continual rise in the death toll. The assertion of protest grew as American families saw friends and neighbors become casualties, as they feared for the loss of their own.

Protest rallies were attracting over one hundred thousand participants and even some who didn’t participate were becoming sympathetic objectors. Others silently struggled with the justification of a war that seemed to have very little implication for the USA. With somber dedication, many prayed for an end to the continuous acceleration of deaths that scrolled down the television screen every evening on the national news.

The battle-worn soldiers were returning home to jeers instead of cheers and spitting instead of welcoming by some of the radical protestors. As if the front lines of battle had not done enough damage, the returning soldier had returned home to fight a battle of abuse from fellow countrymen. This was definitely not a glowing era in American history and the effects would be severe and permanent, especially for those who served in it and their families.

With the battles at home and the war abroad, disillusion and negativity permeated the atmosphere. Jenna was feeling like a cloud of doom was hovering over her. She was an optimist by nature, but her optimism took a blow that landed it on the mat when she and her boyfriend of two years broke up.

Homecoming was on Friday, and all the festivities it would include promised a fun-filled week. At least for now, she could focus on the festivities instead of the dim realities. That seemed to be the overall attitude of her classmates and Jenna was more than happy to follow suit.

Chapter 2

Just as Jenna shut the door to her locker, Mark grabbed her books from her arms. Thanks, said Jenna with a warm smile. She and Mark had met in study hall. He sat behind her and they had become instant friends. He had listened as she talked about her recent breakup with Tommy, her first love and the guy she had expected to marry someday.

Mark was easy to talk to—somewhat funny and encouraging at the same time. She was so grateful for his listening ear, that when he had asked her to go to homecoming with him, she gladly said yes. It would be more like hanging out with a good friend than a date. She knew they’d never be more, but she did enjoy his company as a friend and that was what she needed now.

Jenna was sure it would be a long time before she would be ready to date again. Tommy had been her knight in shining armor—so much like her dad in the way he made her feel safe and happy. The ultimate gentleman, he also made her feel special, like a precious gem. Just thinking about him still brought a tear to her eyes. Mark knew that, so he wasn’t likely to expect more than friendship.

We still on for homecoming? Mark asked as he walked her to class.

Of course, responded Jenna as she retrieved her books from Mark and turned to enter her Homeroom. The tardy bell rang as she walked into her class and Mark took off running to his. Jenna shook her head and smiled. Her teacher was easy going about minimal tardiness but Mark’s wasn’t. She hoped he didn’t get detention again. His mother was still upset about the last time.

It was no surprise to Jenna when Mark rang the doorbell fifteen minutes early on Friday night, so she was ready and waiting. After quick introductions, they said their goodbyes and left.

On the way to the car, Mark started talking. I want to get there early so we can meet up with Trey and his date. He’s bringing Kellie Norris. Do you know her? I thought we could sit with them during the game. Of course, if you’d rather not, that’s okay. You might have a friend you want to sit with. He closed her car door and went around to get in. Oh, you look nice, he added as he got in on the driver’s side.

Jenna realized a nervous tone in his voice and wondered if it was her imagination. Why would he be nervous? He continued to talk about one thing or another until they reached the stadium and parked.

Yes, he’s nervous, thought Jenna. She couldn’t have gotten a word in if she had tried. She just smiled and nodded or shook her head to his questions. Normally, he didn’t rattle on incessantly like that. Jenna knew he was shy, but he seemed to be comfortable with her in study hall.

He must have realized he was talking too much because he blushed and shook his head. Sorry, he said, smiling at Jenna and waited for her to say something.

For a moment, she wasn’t sure what the original question had been. Then it came to her and she opened her mouth to reply when Mark started to say something else and caught himself just in time, and they both started laughing. Then he mimed the sealing of his lips, shrugged his shoulders, pointed to her, and cupped one of his ears. With that, they both laughed again.

Yes, I know Kellie. We have a couple of classes together, replied Jenna as they caught a glimpse of Trey at the concession stand and walked over to him. Maybe it was the laughing they had done or it could have been being with his buddy, but Mark began to relax. The awkwardness left as quickly as it had come and Mark seemed at ease again. Both guys bought drinks and popcorn, and the three of them walked to the seats Kellie was saving for them.

Hey, Kellie, you look pretty. Jenna spoke first, and Kellie responded with a smile as Jenna took a seat by her. The girls chatted lightly during the game while the guys cheered their team on or became critics when things weren’t going well.

Halftime was great. The band had perfected several new songs for the occasion and was high stepping with them. You could tell they were enjoying playing the songs chosen from The Top Forty chart particularly for this occasion. Homecoming was successful. No one had tripped or thrown up from nervousness and Jenna was pleased about the new homecoming queen. The game had been decided in their favor by three points in the last two minutes. Everyone was on their feet cheering when the kicker had scored their last field goal for the win. It was the perfect game for homecoming!

The two couples left the stadium recapping the events of the game. By the time they reached the dance, the music was going, and the dance floor was filling up. Kellie and Trey joined the other couples on the dance floor while Jenna and Mark found a table for the four of them. After seating Jenna, Mark left to get punch.

Jenna couldn’t sit still. She loved to dance and couldn’t help but keep beat with the music. Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch, followed by Boogaloo Down Broadway, were both songs she liked to dance to.

On his way back, Mark noticed Jenna’s feet moving to the rhythm. It was a good song, but he couldn’t dance a lick. He wondered why he had even ventured to ask a girl to a dance. After confessing he couldn’t dance, he asked her if she’d like to give it a try. She said, Yes, as he knew she would, and they joined Kellie and Trey on the dance floor.

Jenna didn’t care that Mark wasn’t a good dancer. She was having a good time, and it was the first time since she and Tommy had broken up. The band led into Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters and the two couples kept dancing. When that song ended and a slow one started (When a Man Loves a Woman by Percy Sledge…definitely not a song for just friends) Mark and Jenna headed back to their table and Trey and Kellie joined them.

Jenna was trying to convince Mark that he wasn’t a bad dancer when they sat down and chimed in. That helped considerably since Mark was convinced that she was just being nice. The two couples sat sipping on their punch and talking through the next two songs.

Jenna saw Trey looking at her frequently, at least she thought he was, and wondered why. He was popular and good-looking and so was his date. She didn’t consider herself a shallow person and was sure that looks and popularity weren’t important to her, but to be noticed by him was flattering. Well, maybe she was a little shallow, she had to admit. She couldn’t help but wonder if Trey and Kellie had been dating long. Then she admonished herself for even letting her mind go there. Even though she and Mark were just friends, he was her date and she made up her mind to focus only on him for the rest of the evening.

The band began to play She’s a Lady by Tom Jones, and the two couples returned to the dance floor. Mark danced with a little more confidence and even seemed to be enjoying himself. Jenna was pleased and looked to see if Kellie or Trey had noticed. As she did, she caught a glimpse of Trey looking at her again. She hoped Kellie didn’t notice. She blushed and tried not to look his way anymore.

She looked at Mark and smiled, commenting that he was doing a good job for someone who claimed he couldn’t dance. He smiled, hunched his shoulders, and did the James Brown spin. The King of Soul was known for his dancing moves and agility. He even ended his spin with a split some of the time and that always brought down the house. Now this guy from study hall was imitating him, swiftly moving from no confidence to making a James Brown move, shocking and amusing. Jenna was glad to see Mark relax and enjoy himself.

The band led right into another good fast song and they just kept dancing. Jenna loved to dance. She had won every dance contest she had ever been in. Of course, that was only at school sock hops and one community street dance. Music had a way of filling her body and coming out in smooth, easy movements. At times, she could get lost in the music and forget anyone else was around. But not tonight. She could feel Trey’s eyes on her and that made her uncomfortable.

The night passed too quickly for Jenna. She could have danced on for hours. The band called last song as they began playing Red, Red Wine by Neil Diamond. As it ended, the band began to break down and people began to leave.

Jenna and Mark stood in the parking lot with Kellie and Trey exchanging a few comments. The guys were still talking football and Kellie and Jenna were discussing the winning candidate for homecoming queen. After a few minutes, they said their goodbyes and left.

Chapter 3

Dad was waiting up, as always, and he and Jenna watched the news together. Afterward, Jenna wished she hadn’t. For a few hours, she had forgotten about the war. She was tired of counting the death toll that was scrolled every night, name after name of young soldiers. She never tried to see the individual names because she was afraid she might recognize one. That would make the war even more real to her, and she definitely didn’t want that. But she did enjoy this time with her dad. Watching the news together on Friday nights had become a tradition for them.

America was a world power at war with a country a small fraction of her size and with limited resources. So why hadn’t they won the war already? She knew she didn’t understand the details of war or politics, but the whole country was in conflict because of it. How many more lives would be gone