John and Joan Archer believed that his retirement from the army and the end to incessant moving would foster an even stronger family unit for the Archers. However, after moving back to Fitzgerald, Georgia, they soon realize that small town life does not promise to be a utopia. Subtle changes begin to occur in their family dynamics and in their children. At first, John and Joan do not recognize the signs of Dougs addiction because they are camouflaged by Dougs natural charm and their own denial. Throughout the next ten years, they suffer much heartbreak as Doug enters one drug rehabilitation facility after the other, all proving to be futile. Along this path and along Dougs own odyssey, the family members learn to lean on God and to trust His guidance.