From the publisher
In this insightful memoir, Beau looks back on the mental scars left by neglectful parents, wartime trauma, alcohol addiction, and incarceration-and his struggles to finally rise above the lingering pain and torment.
Born into poverty, Beau was one of three brothers whose parents, having little idea about childrearing, left them to fend for themselves. He was completely in charge of his own life and education by the age of fifteen. He attended twenty schools before finally graduating.
Beau writes candidly of the devastation of 9/11 and how it motivated his joining the Arkansas Army National Guard. He completed two tours of duty in Iraq in 2004 and 2008, but after his return, the psychological effects of battle led to PTSD. He turned to alcohol to drown out the pain-which itself took a devastating toll. When he was sent to prison for a felony DWI, his wife left him, and in the years that followed, Beau struggled to piece his life back together.
Each day seemed like an insurmountable challenge. But slowly, painfully, he began working to reach a place of contentment-and ultimately triumphed. He now shares with you his inspiring and empowering journey.
About the author
Beau Gumm was born in Arkansas in 1981. With neglectful parents ill equipped to raise them, he and his two brothers were forced to rely on just themselves. While he was growing up, Beau attended twenty different schools.
Beau's determination to acquire a good education resulted in his obtaining a degree in emergency administration management from Arkansas Tech University. Then the events of 9/11 inspired him to join the Arkansas Army National Guard. He completed two tours of duty in Iraq and later attended the Army Logistics University at Fort Lee in Virginia. Upon his graduation, he became an ordnance officer.
Beau married a fellow Soldier in 2009, but legal troubles ended his career in the military and led to his incarceration. Now, having fought to get back on track, he concentrates on battling his alcoholism and sharing his story with the world.
