And Then Came Life: True Life Story About God's Redeeming Power

By Glenn Greenstein and Robert Parrish

David was always different from his brothers. Born and raised in the midst of South Florida's music scene, he was labeled a sissy and mocked by neighborhood boys. Introduced to Miami's gay nightlife, drugs, and reckless sexual escapades, he wonders if this is where he truly belongs, here in the arms of faceless strangers. As David wanders from one shadowy scene to another, stacking shame upon shame, he chooses to ignore the concerns of his estranged family and a mysterious, but comforting, voice. Does this heavenly voice truly care?

Is David, finally plagued by disease, destroying his life forever? Based on true events, David's story is one of misadventure, selfish exploration, disappointment, and ongoing scandal, but throughout its entirety, redeeming hope...a divine hope for life's fresh beginning in a moment of surrender and choice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Fulton Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jan 2, 2024
• ISBN: 9798887317311

Book preview

Table of Contents

Title

Copyright

Foreword

Acknowledgments

Prologue

Chapter 1: The Chase

Chapter 2: The Catch

Chapter 3: The Yellow House

Chapter 4: The Crate

Chapter 5: The Slap

Chapter 6: Afterward

Chapter 7: The Blue House

Chapter 8: Inside the Blue House

Chapter 9: Cub Scouts

Chapter 10: First Girlfriends

Chapter 11: The Bike Ride Part 1

Chapter 12: The Bike Ride Part 2

Chapter 13: The Bike Ride Part 3

Chapter 14: Middle School

Chapter 15: Ninth Grade

Chapter 16: The Bus Ride

Chapter 17: The Stranger Part 1

Chapter 18: The Stranger Part 2

Chapter 19: The Safe House

Chapter 20: Caught!

Chapter 21: A Knock on the Door

Chapter 22: Upper Northeast Miami

Chapter 23: The Nightclub Part 1

Chapter 24: The Nightclub Part 2

Chapter 25: Cutting Hair

Chapter 26: The Jaguar

Chapter 27: The Cruise

Chapter 28: The Piano Man

Chapter 29: Home Again

Chapter 30: Tampa Part 1

Chapter 31: Tampa Part 2

Chapter 32: College

Chapter 33: The Windward Inn

Chapter 34: Coming Out

Chapter 35: The Houseboy

Chapter 36: King of Parties

Chapter 37: Meeting Keith

Chapter 38: The Promise

Chapter 39: Beginning the Relationship

Chapter 40: Living Together

Chapter 41: Christmas in Baton Rouge

Chapter 42: Leaving Baton Rouge

Chapter 43: Coming Home

Chapter 44: Sandra

Chapter 45: The Recovery

Chapter 46: The Marriage Part 1

Chapter 47: The Marriage Part 2

Chapter 48: The Spiral Downward

Chapter 49: The Breakdown

Chapter 50: Marrying Marie

Chapter 51: The Woods

Chapter 52: The Invitation

Chapter 53: Easter Sunday

Chapter 54: And Then Came Life

Chapter 55: A New Day Starting

Chapter 56: Marie

Chapter 57: Going to Church Again

Chapter 58: The Witness

Chapter 59: Examining Life

Chapter 60: The Date

Chapter 61: The Proposal

Epilogue

Making Jesus Christ Your Savior and Lord

About the Authors

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And Then Came Life

True Life Story About God's Redeeming Power

Glenn Greenstein and Robert Parrish

Copyright © 2023 Glenn Greenstein

Co Author: Robert Parrish

All rights reserved

First Edition

Fulton Books

Meadville, PA

Published by Fulton Books 2023

ISBN 979-8-88731-730-4 (paperback)

ISBN 979-8-88731-731-1 (digital)

Printed in the United States of America

Dedication

Glenn David Greenstein: To my wife who shares my heart with Jesus, I dedicate tears shed through regret and joy. May those tears be open windows where others may realize and embrace heaven's hope.

Robert Parrish: To my beloved bride who likewise shares my heart with Jesus, who encouraged and supported this project from the onset. In spite of countless hours during the process, I am forever grateful.

Beloved friends, what should be our proper response to God's marvelous mercies? To surrender yourselves to God to be his sacred, living sacrifices. And live in holiness, experiencing all that delights his heart. For this becomes your genuine expression of worship. Stop imitating the ideas and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God's will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in His eyes.

—Romans 12:1–2 TPT

Foreword

As you embark on this journey, be prepared to be shocked and perhaps even have your sensibilities challenged. But rest assured, the central character, David Goldberg, emerges from his lifestyle of darkness, depravity, and deception with a great cloud of witnesses shouting at his marvelous encounter with the living Lord and his total deliverance by a merciful and all-powerful, loving God. On this no-holds-barred account that's based on a true story, you'll find yourself feeling emotions that run the gamut of anger and disgust to absolute happiness and joy as David begins to make his way out of the prison and chains that bound him and into God's astounding light.

David's story has taken courage, but knowing the real David as I do—after much prayer, thought, and many long talks with his family, myself, and others—his mind and purpose became clear. He launched this book and began rowing toward the deep with no thought of looking back. To be perfectly honest, as a pastor and counselor for over thirty years, I thought perhaps I had heard it all and had seen it all until I read the first and second drafts. Wow! Like Nancy, my wife, I realized what an eye-opener And Then Came Life was. Not only did it speak frankly—and yes, very descriptively—but thank God it offers hope to others—victorious hope!

And now Paul Harvey's line, for the rest of the story, David, Marie, his loving wife, and their precious son are a real-life, God-loving Christian family. The David in this story is an excellent and articulate preacher and prophet. He serves our church fellowship as an elder, staff pastor, and counselor. It is my honor to serve as this family's pastor, and I consider David a son in the faith.

Jack E. Hart, senior pastor (deceased)

New Hope Ministries and Christian Academy

The teaching about the cross is foolishness to those who are being lost, but to those who are being saved, it is the power of God.

1 Corinthians 1:18 NCV

Acknowledgments

This book would not have been possible without the faithful and selfless support of our wives, and we are eternally grateful. In addition, we wish to thank our editorial team at Fulton Books: Editors, Page Design and Cover Design Teams.

We also wish to acknowledge the prayers and encouragement of many friends. Also, my (Glenn's) deepest gratitude for Senior Pastor Jack Hart who fathered me faithfully, provided direction, correction, and an abundance of unconditional love. Also, Glenn's dear friend and brother in Christ, Pastor Roger Ball. Most certainly for Jesus Christ who never failed us or lied to us, to Whom we give thanks for giving us new lives filled with His joy everlasting.

Prologue

Daytona Beach, Florida, 1942

"R uth Hancock, get in this house now ."

Isabell was furious with her only daughter. It was well past midnight, and a proper young lady did not need to be parked in the driveway and kissing sailors at this hour. Not just one sailor but three!

Ruth, I'm coming out there.

Ruth giggled. All right, Mama. Just a minute more.

Now! Isabell stormed off the porch, slamming the screen door behind her. "You, sailor boy. Open the car door now."

Isabell yanked on the door handle, but it was locked. Stooping to the driveway, she grabbed a handful of gravel and threw it at the car.

The car door flew open. Hey, stop that!

Then give me my daughter.

Okay. Okay. Here she is. Ruth slid from the tangle of arms and legs. G'bye, Good-Looking. See you next time we're in port.

Yeah, you are a looker, another sailor complimented.

And a kisser, the third one added, getting laughs from both Ruth and the sailors.

C'mon, Ruth. Isabell grabbed her daughter by the arm and marched her into the house as the car drove away. Ever since your father ran off with that…that dyed blonde…that…you don't mind me anymore. What's wrong with you, girl? Do you want to end up like your father, chasing cheap thrills in back seats, who won't even take care of your family?

Well, maybe if you'd been home like a proper mama instead of always down at your precious dress shop, Daddy wouldn't have left.

Isabell recoiled, her hand raised to slap Ruth. That ‘precious dress shop,' as you so disrespectfully call it, kept us in groceries all these years. Who do you think made the household money anyway? Who do you think paid for your Marilyn Monroe hairdos? Your father drank up everything he made working at that car body shop.

He kept me in roller skates, Mama. Ruth smiled coyly as Isabell lowered her hand. And then in Cadillacs. Remember how I won the Powder Puff Race last year?

Yeah, I remember. Isabell reached for her now warm glass of scotch. You nearly killed a spectator.

"He jumped over the rail, Mama. Besides, I was passing that other girl just before the finish line." Ruth flushed at her memory of standing in the winner's circle. How exciting that had been. How proud she'd felt. She'd actually accomplished something during her eighteen years.

You'd have been safer skating on the pier than driving on that beach, Isabell growled. At least you had the promise of a professional roller derby career.

I know, Mama. Ruth's eyes welled with tears. If I hadn't broken my kneecaps, maybe we'd all be rich.

Isabell softened. "Isn't your fault you're now wearing those braces so much as that incompetent doctor. What was he thinking, rebreaking your legs every few weeks so he could ‘rejoin them,' he said? He was a sadist, for crying out loud. Believe me, Ruth, I know from experience how important it is for a woman to feel pretty and admired by men even if they are sailors with just one thing on their tiny minds. It's only that I worry about you. I want you to have a husband who'll love you and take care of you and give you wonderful children."

Most of 'em will give me children, Mama, Ruth said, giggling again.

"That's my point! Isabell swigged the last of the scotch. I'm going to bed. You make sure you stay in the house, missy."

Elsmere, Delaware, 1946

Lee… Susan was crying into the telephone receiver.

Hi, baby, what's up?

I…I'm pregnant!

What? Are you sure? I mean, it's only been a week or two.

"Seven weeks from the first time, buddy boy. Maybe you can only remember the last time but not me."

But, but…how do you know it's mine?

What? You…you…, Susan swore vociferously.

But just one or two times?

How about six of the good times, buddy boy? Nearly every weekend for most of the last two months. Susan's indignation replaced her tears.

Well, I thought you were using something or other. A Coke maybe?

"You're the one who was supposed to be wearing protection, not me. Obviously not! You were always in too much of a hurry, and I was just another of your foolish, willing girlfriends."

So what are you going to do? Some tearful woman wasn't about to take advantage of Lee Goldberg. No way! Especially not a gentile.

"How 'bout us, big man? This is our kid. What are we going to do?"

"All right already. Let's talk about our child, then. How long have you been pregnant?"

Who's to tell? I can't keep track, can you? I missed my period last month, so it's got to be six or seven weeks.

"So the baby, our baby, will be here in seven or eight months, Lee returned sarcastically. Look, you tell your parents, and I'll tell mine, okay? Let's talk sometime next week."

"Can we talk together, Lee? Susan was suddenly fearful. Not on the phone, I mean. I want to see you. I want to touch you. We've got to figure this out together, Lee."

Sure, baby. Wherever you like. Call me after you've talked with your folks, and we'll set a place. Okay? Look, I've got to go now, but call me.

Lee…, Susan began, but the phone line merely buzzed.

*****

Goldberg, Lee!

Here.

It's ‘Yes, sir!' boy, the gunnery sergeant barked. If you're going to join the Army, it's ‘Yes, sir!' here and ‘Yes, sir!' there. Stand up!

Lee stood.

I don't hear you, boy…

Yes, sir…

What's that? I can't hear you…

Yes, sir!

Better. Your parents know you're joining the Army today?

Yes, sir! All his life his parents had told him, Lee, get an education, find a good trade, and make your own way in the world. Becoming a musician in the United States Army wasn't exactly what they had in mind, but if it got Lee out of the house and on his own, they were in agreement. There were too many other mouths still at home and needing to be fed. Besides, Lee would be guaranteed three meals a day and a regular paycheck for at least four years.

Anyway, your driver's license says you're twenty-three, so the choice is yours regardless. Sign here…and here…and here.

Lee signed.

Welcome to Uncle Sam's Army, Goldberg. Through that door for your physical and uniforms.

For the next four years Lee played his Army-issued upright bass viola at official ceremonies and officers' clubs up and down the East Coast. At six feet one inch tall, the instrument fit him well. When he joined the Army's Jazz Knights saxophone and rhythm unit at West Point, Lee truly fell in love for the first time in his life. Jazz became the music of his soul, the full expression of his senses. Beyond the physical, jazz articulated the most intimate corners of his heart. This was the lifelong profession his parents had urged upon him. This was his solace when he learned Susan had aborted their baby. Music never talked back, never disobeyed, was always faithful, and obeyed his every command. Surely he could trust it with his very life.

Chapter 1

The Chase

H i there, good-lookin'.

Ruth laughed, tossing her long blonde hair over her bare shoulders. She was used to men making passes at her. After all, the Pussycat Club was well-known for its companionship opportunities. Right at the lower end of the footpath leading to the boardwalk, it was a volatile trysting place for sailors and their girls enjoying sparkling moonlight and pounding surf.

Says you. At this club, band members can't fraternize with employees. It's the rule. Someone always had to explain the rules again and again to the new bands.

Yeah, but you know what they say about rules being made just to be broken. So how about bringing me a whiskey on the house? Maybe because he was one of the best bass players in Northeast Florida, Lee was more confident than other band members. Maybe the electric tingle of chasing yet another beauty propelled his advance. Maybe the trim black tuxedo and white ruffled shirt buoyed his self-assuredness.

Another rule. Ruth laughed again. No house drinks for the band. Her white teeth sparkled in the dim cigar and cigarette smoke.

So why don't you buy me one?

"Me? I work here so other people can party. Let one of them buy you the whiskey."

But you're the prettiest doll here. If you'll buy now, I'll buy dinner after the show. Deal? Deal was Lee's newest catch word. It made him sound like the music mogul he so desperately was expected to become.

*****

Mogul or not, deal worked for Ruth. When the club closed at two, she and Lee headed for Jimmie's, the after-hours cabaret favored by the town's most bodacious night prowlers.

Who's there? the bouncer demanded at Lee's knock on the steel door.

Lee…Lee Goldberg and Ruth…from the Pussycat Club.

Ruth who?

Ruth, uh…

McAllister, Ruth supplied.

Well, all right. Come in fast. The steel door opened just enough to allow the pair inside, then clicked shut quietly, menacingly, its four bolts sliding back into place in seconds.

Hey, Fuzzy! Lee waved at a fellow bandleader as he and Ruth were shown to their table. Other musicians whistled at Ruth, while two of the beach's best-known pot dealers greeted Lee from their favorite corner table.

You know a lot of people here! Ruth exclaimed as they were seated.

Just some of the boys. Daytona Beach is a pretty good-sized town, but music guys are pretty tight. Sometimes I'm playing their bands. Other times I'm leading a band. Depends on the gig.

What'll ya have? the bouncer turned waiter insisted.

Whiskey for me, Black. Ruth?

I'd like a gin and tonic, please. Twist, not a squeeze.

Comin' up.

So tell me about yourself, Ruth. Lee leaned forward. How long have you been at the Pussycat? A while, I'd guess, since you know all the rules about fraternizing and house drinks not for the band. Usually getting a girl to talk about herself helped her relax, helped lower her defenses.

Ruth's silvery laugh turned heads at other tables, making patrons smile with her. I've been there about two years. Good tips. Better than cashiering on the boardwalk, but I work there too. Helps raise my son and keeps my mother in scotch. I'm just glad she doesn't drink Black Label like you.

Black is better, smoother. So how old is your son, and where's his father?

Don't be pushy. Ruth giggled. We've got the rest of the night to get to know each other. Attention from handsome men was not to be wasted but savored and made to last as long as possible.

Really? Lee leaned back. If he played his cards right… Well, okay, so let me begin again…how old is your son?

"Ross Thomas McAllister is ten and way too smart for his own good.'

That's quite a name for a young man. Maybe he'll grow up to be a general or a politician someday.

Ross for his father, Thomas for my brother. In Ross's mind, he's already grown up. Man of the house, I guess, with two women around, so he has a lot of responsibility.

If I'm not moving too fast now, what happened to Ross's father?

He didn't have what it takes to be a parent and not much of what it takes to be a husband either. There was way too much alcohol and too many beatings for Ross and me. He couldn't hold a job either. One night we had another fight, and he just left. That was seven or eight years ago, and we haven't seen or heard from him since. Good riddance. Anyway, Mama moved in with us to help with the bills. Between her dress shop and me slinging drinks at the Pussycat, we've managed.

Here ya go. The bouncer-waiter plopped icy glasses onto the table. On your tab, Lee?

Sure, and another round in ten…fifteen minutes? Here. Lee shoved a five into the bouncer-waiter's fist, getting a quick smile in return.

Here's mud in your eye. Lee touched his glass to Ruth's and took a long drink. Ah, good stuff! That first gulp is always the best.

Ruth sipped her gin and tonic. My turn to ask the questions. How'd you end up here in Daytona?

Why not? It's a good party town that needs good bands, and the Pussycat looks good on any musician's résumé. If you play that club for a few weeks or months, you can likely break into the Miami scene.

Miami? Why there? It's dirty, it's hot, and it's crowded.

Yeah, maybe, but its hotel circuit pays better 'n' here. Better weed too.

Okay, okay. Ruth laughed. Later on Miami. How'd you learn to play the bass so well?

Lee smiled at the compliment. Tonight was going to turn out all right after all. Played some in school, joined the Army, and played full-time in their band. Got out a few years ago and been playing jazz clubs here and in Orlando.

Later, Ruth would wish she'd never met Lee, but tonight was for fun, for romance, for affection. A little flirting, a few more drinks, and soon it would be daylight and time to go home to sleep away the mistakes.

*****

Ruth, you're seeing too much of that Lee guy. Isabell was in one of her moods.

Oh, Mother, we're just having fun.

Serious fun if you ask me. It's not right for Ross that you work every night till two in the morning, then party till sunrise.

You want me to bring Lee to the house, make him part of the family?

No, don't ever do that. He's not the kind of influence your father and I tried to be to you kids.

Yeah, some influence. Maybe if you and Daddy had had more of that, I wouldn't have gotten pregnant with Ross.

Shush, he'll hear you. All I'm saying is you and this Lee are headed for the same trouble as before. Worse yet, he's Jewish, and you know what the Good Book says about that.

"Mother! Lee is a fine, gifted musician. He could probably lead bands in New York or Hollywood if he wanted to, but he likes me, and he wants to stay here in Daytona Beach or maybe go to Miami."

You'd better not move to Miami, girl. That's a sinful city down there and no place for you and Ross. Besides, the doctors who know how to treat your legs are right here in town.

"Some fine job they've done. I can't even walk without braces. One kneecap is fused, and the other's totally gone. How many times did that one guy have to rebreak my legs? Six? Seven? Ten? And you call him a doctor? Horse doctor maybe. I can't dance. I can't roller-skate anymore. Now I have to wear slacks or long skirts just to hide my ugliness. I'm ugly, so ugly no man will ever want me again."

Ruth sobbed so hard her shoulders shook, tears splashing onto her cotton skirt.

Baby…Ruth…please don't cry, honey. You know I love you, and your son loves you very much. He always asks, ‘When is Mom coming home?'

*****

The next afternoon Lee came to the house, reassuring Ross and Isabell he truly cared for their mother and daughter. Sure, they partied at Jimmie's or other after-hours clubs when the Pussycat closed, but it was just good times they were seeking, a little letting off steam after the stress of playing in the band and serving up drinks for other folks.

Isabell found herself unexpectedly charmed. Why don't you and Ruth come to the house after closing instead of spending all your money at those clubs? she said. We're not strangers to music and booze, and it would be good for Ross to have Ruth here and safer for you too. You wouldn't have to risk driving home with all that alcohol on your breath.

Within two weeks, Lee was spending every night at Ruth and Isabell's place.

Give honor to a fool and watch it backfire, like a stone tied to a slingshot.

—Proverbs 26:8 TPT

Chapter 2

The Catch

L ee? Ruth's voice quivered during the band's second break.

Sure, baby, what's up?

I…I'm…pregnant.

What? How could that happen? I mean, I know how, but I thought you were using protection?

No, I thought you were.

Wow, Ruth. What are you going to do?

"Me? This is our child, Lee. What are we going to do?"

Quiet! the bartender hissed. You're drawing stares. Take this outside or wait till closing.

*****

All right, Ruth, let's talk about this, Lee began when they were standing in the alley behind the club.

"It's not this. It's our child." Ruth's eyes were puffy and red with crying.

"All right. All right. Let's talk about our child. How long have you been pregnant?"

I…I don't know. I missed my period last month, so it could be a couple of weeks or five or six.

"So our child will be here in eight or nine months likely. Look, I'll get more gigs before then to cover doctor bills. Shouldn't have any trouble doing that, and then we'll see."

What do you mean we'll see? What about marriage, Lee? Ruth's distress was turning practical. "What about you and me becoming parents? We're practically living together anyway, what with you at the house every single night. The only difference is you don't pay any bills, and I don't do your dirty laundry."

But…but…Ruth…you've been married before. Are you sure you want to go through that turmoil all over again?

"You bet I don't. I expect you to be a father and a husband and my mother's son-in-law, and if you ever beat me or Ross or our baby, I'll flat out call the cops on you. No way do I want another marriage like that first one."

*****

David Alan Goldberg. That's a fine name for such a tiny boy. Several of Lee's friends had come over to the house to congratulate him on the birth of his firstborn son and to celebrate with a joint or two or three. The music subculture in Daytona Beach was permeated with marijuana smoking and most of the local bands got high between sets. Several musicians, including Lee, raised their own pot for easy availability and for extra income.

Yeah, maybe he'll play bass like his daddy.

And this time he'll get up to New York or—

Not funny, Jackson. Lee was proud of his newborn, but he wasn't about to share his reputation or his ego with anyone so small.

Sure hope he doesn't smoke the weed. Could turn out as weird as the rest of us. That brought laughter all around.

And here's young Goldberg's pretty mom and Mrs. Hancock just comin' out to see us. Hi, Ruth. Missed you at the Pussycat lately.

Ruth smiled, her blonde hair shorter in the latest style. As you see, I've been busy, but I'll be back soon. I miss that place.

The customers miss you, Ruth, say it's not the same without your laugh.

Thank you, Ernie, that's very nice of you.

Hi, boys, Isabell greeted. Lee knew his mother-in-law loved company in the house but didn't always approve of his choice of colleagues.

Hello, Mrs. Hancock. It's good of you to let us all come over to see your new grandson.

You're welcome, Jackson. If you want to smoke, please do so outside.

Yes, ma'am.

Everyone who hears My teaching and applies it to his life can be compared to a wise man who built his house on an unshakable foundation. When the rains fell and the flood came, with fierce winds beating upon his house, it stood firm because of its strong foundation. But everyone who hears my teaching and does not apply it to his life can be compared to a foolish man who built his house on sand. When it rained and rained and the flood came, with wind and waves beating upon his house, it collapsed and was swept away.

—Matthew 7:24–27 TPT

Chapter 3

The Yellow House

Hollywood, Florida, 1960

Ruth, I can't believe you let that man talk you into moving us to Miami. Why in the world did we have to move so far from home, I ask you?

Mama, this house is just fine. Lee finally has a music scene worthy of his true talents, and breaking in takes time. Live bands, big bands, right here in Miami. This is where his career can go big. We'll get by, and we'll get better. I know it. Lee's a good man, and he works hard.

"Yeah, maybe, but two bedrooms for you and Lee, me, Ross, Davey, and the baby?"

I'm sorry you're sleeping on the couch, but all of us have to make some sacrifices. We all have enough to eat and a dry roof over our heads. What's the problem?

It's poor, that's what. The neighborhood is rough, and there's sugar sand for dirt. How'm I to plant a vegetable garden? I ask you that.

"Well, you could have stayed in Daytona. This is our life together—Lee, me, Ross, Davey, and Benny. I like your being here, but you got to get used to it. Besides, it's only temporary. Just last night Lee told me he'd heard about some bands playing the big hotels on Miami Beach. Good money, he said, if he could get a gig like that."

Yeah, more money for more pot.

Well, Benny likes it here. He giggles all day in his playpen. When Lee comes home, Benny greets him with a big smile and baby talk. When you get up in the morning, isn't he still laughing?

Yeah, and he keeps me awake half the night. Can't you make him be quiet? Give him an aspirin or something?

*****

Lee got the steady gig at one of Miami Beach's best hotels, and his career did, in fact, take