Shawn D. Congleton's Blog, page 5

The time my dad was drinking & driving with the whole family to the bar in Grover in a snowstorm… (an excerpt from Ch. 12 of NEVER SETTLED)

We all jumped into our 1967 Chevy Impala and off we went down the backroads into the snowstorm. The snowfall got worse and worse and the wind was picking up. When the snow blows across the northern plains of Colorado during a snowstorm, it often covers the entire road, so complete that you can’t hardly see it. 

This particular trip to Grover was unlike many trips. Dad didn’t normally drive fast. I guess he was wanting to make it to Grover before the snow got any worse, so he was driving faster than normal; faster than the speed limit. We were definitely driving the backroads, which was typical of his ways, but this particular time, there was a cop on the backroad. 

The police lights flashed on and my dad knew he was done for.  It had only been a couple of months since we had been taken away into a foster home and now here he was getting pulled over, driving fast while intoxicated in the middle of a snow storm. But Dad was a smart, manipulative man.

“Can I see your license and registration, please?” the cop asked as he approached the cracked window.

Not our actual car.

“Get up you lazy piece of sh*t!”

These were my dad’s words to me one day and these are Lessons Learned from NEVER SETTLED, Chapter 1 – Waking up!

I’m going to turn my attention on this blog to share what could be another book in itself. I had a tough life growing up and writing this book helped me see a number of things I learned along the way and a number of things that I am thankful for. 

In addition, I now have twenty-four years of parenting experience, fourteen years of youth ministry experience, nine years as a school counselor—all of those years working with young people and twenty-eight years as a Christian that have helped me to find a level of success in raising three daughters and working with thousands of young people. 

Many of these lessons can be learned by reading the book and taking the inferences. 

However, I would like to be more explicit about what I learned both then and now.

Chapter 1, titled Waking up! was appropriately so as it begins with my dad coming into my room as I am late for school one day. It is a scary moment as I fear for my life and am unsure of what discipline I’m about to incur. The setting is that I am a somewhat responsible kid, having worked late the night before at a high school job, but not responsible enough to get up in time for school.

My dad was a great parent in this situation for one reason. He was gonna make sure I went to school. As a school counselor, I deal with this conflict on a regular basis. This pandemic has multiplied this challenge so many times over. Gobs of kids are not showing up for school, both in-person and virtually. This isn’t just a Springfield problem. This is a problem in our entire country right now. 

Yet, for all of the not-so-kind aspects of my dad’s parenting, one thing I can commend him for was getting me to school. We moved almost eighty times and lived in nearly twenty states before I graduated. But, we always went to school and most often immediately after we arrived in a new town. Many people wonder how I was able to be academically successful moving so often. This is why. We rarely missed school.

You can’t learn if you don’t show up. 

No excuses parents, we have to be sure our kids show up.

Now, let me add what I wish had been done differently.

My dad didn’t know I wasn’t at school until our principal had called him at about 10:30 a.m. that morning. As a parent now who has gone through his own three kids (the youngest is now a sophomore). How did he not know I wasn’t up and getting ready for school at 7:30 a.m.? 

If we are going to get our kids to school on time so they are present in each and every class, we have to be checking on them early. 

Ironically, he must have done that for my younger siblings, because they were in school that day, but he ignored me that day. If I had to guess why, it was because I was a senior in high school. He’s old enough, he probably thought. He knows what’s important. Until, I didn’t. 

I can’t tell you enough, parents of teenagers, even the older ones. We must continue to parent our children through to the end. We can’t give up or hope they have it together. 

The teenage mind doesn’t fully form until they are nearly twenty-two or twenty-three. That is they aren’t able to fully consider their future based on their current actions. It’s not an excuse for them, it is reality. I’m not suggesting you need to parent them that long, but at least until they are graduated or eighteen, whichever comes second.

Looking back, I was probably the most responsible kid I knew, and in reality I only missed Weightlifting Class, Study Hall and a bit of Vocational Business that I was acing. But, that didn’t matter. I needed to be in school, on-time.

I also wish that my dad had not approached my failure by waking me up in such a manner and making me fear for my life. I wish he had been more gentle. I wish I hadn’t needed to fear him so much. Don’t get me wrong, a healthy fear of authority is not a bad thing, but I don’t believe this was so healthy, particularly of physical punishment and emotional damage.

As parents, we know our kids will mess up. We expect it in many ways and the longer we parent, the more we expect it. That doesn’t mean our “expectations” change. We still want them to grow, to learn—to get better at life and responsibility. But how we approach our interventions and discipline can make a huge difference in them actually changing. Not just changing for the moment because we are in front of them. 

It also greatly impacts our relationship with them. My dad’s tactics got me to school. But I hated him at that time. I also only got to school at that point when he came in and woke me in such a manner. 

That year, I didn’t learn too much about setting my alarm in such a way that I would get up consistently. I didn’t learn to balance my responsibilities by cutting back my work hours or finding a way to get off earlier on a school night or researching ways to wind down quicker. I just learned to get up, move quickly and pray I didn’t die before I got there.

Our jobs as parents are not just to get our kids to comply, particularly when they are teenagers. Our jogs are to prepare them to think for themselves, to overcome their challenges by their own perseverance and to help them become self-automated. I wish my dad had done a bit more of that. I might have grown up quicker.

What do you think? What are your thoughts? Comment on the blog or whichever social media platform you read this on.

Wandering… an excerpt from Ch. 11 of NEVER SETTLED: a memoir of a boy on the road to manhood

It’s difficult to describe how our moving took us cross country many times, especially in the early days. When I say we lived in twenty places in Colorado, we didn’t always move from one place in Colorado to another. We often moved to Indiana, then Wisconsin, down to Kansas, up to Nebraska, over to Nevada, then back to a new place in Colorado. The best I can describe it is… we were wandering. The phrase, “Not all who wander are lost,” comes to mind. We just never settled down in one place. I don’t know that my dad had a heart for adventure as much as he left all of his problems behind every time, hoping to start anew and find a better life somewhere else. In all reality, he was lost. Very lost. 

Back in April 1975, when I was only 21 months old, Dad had started his good job at the steel mills in northern Indiana. The job was good and the living was good. My parents bought their first house in Hobart Township. This was near where they grew up. They had just three kids at this time. Terri, my older sister of six years and Jimmy, my older brother of four years.

When the steel mill laid my dad off one too many times, our real wandering began. Dad saw the dangers in his line of work and watched a man literally fall into a vat of hot molten steel and disintegrate before his very eyes. The work was treacherous and challenging, but the money was good, until it wasn’t. We lived there for two and a half years and then began wandering…

(later in the chapter)

I can only imagine how our school documents followed us or didn’t follow us during our school transitions. I wonder if my parents even told them where we were previously. I’m sure if they did, they only told them about the previous stop. They must have kept our important documents like birth certificates and shot records readily available since they needed to constantly keep enrolling us in a new school. If they didn’t have them, I’m sure it would have been a red flag for a school district to sick Children’s Services on us. Amazingly, we only ended up in a foster home the one time in Loogootee (other than Terri & Jimmy running away in high school and finishing their high school careers in foster homes).

Underdog. Overcomer. Survivor.

These words have come up from others in reviews of NEVER SETTLED. I love to hear these words associated with my book. Who wouldn’t?!! 

Underdog.

When I hear the word “underdog,” I think of some of the greatest games of all time. The original Patriot team that won the big game with the backup QB, Tom Brady. That’s when my dad started liking them, when they were the underdog. He always rooted for the underdog. 

Which reminds me of the NCAA basketball tournament. The 16 seed versus the number 1 seed. I believe the 16 seed has only won once in the history of the tournament. That’s quite an underdog. My dad always rooted for the lesser seed. The excitement of the tournament where anyone can win one game is perpetuated by the idea of the underdog beating the favored team.

There was a little guy long before all of these athletic contests that showed up in the context of battle. David, literally the little guy, defeated the giant, Goliath—in a most unlikely way, with faith.

Overcomer.

When I hear the word “overcomer,” I think of someone who has faced great challenges. If you want to watch some athletes overcome great challenges, turn on ESPN and watch their 30 for 30 episodes. There are so many stories of what these athletes have overcome. We usually just see the highlights at the end, but don’t know their whole story.

Which reminds me of James Conner, the RB for the Pittsburgh Steelers. He came from the local school, the University of Pittsburgh. But way more than that, he battled cancer as a young adult. Not only did he battle cancer as a college football player, but he overcame! He defeated it!

There are so many characters throughout the scriptures that speak to overcoming—that were overcomers. The main factor that helped them overcome was faith.

Survivor.

When I hear the word “survivor,” I think of someone who has faced death or elimination in some way, but survived. They continued on. Of course, my mind immediately goes to the CBS series that spent 20 years on television. When I watched the first few seasons, I had hoped to participate myself, thinking, I’ve spent a life surviving, I could do that.

Which reminds me of John Rambo. He was captured, not once but twice in Vietnam. In the second installment of his movies, he went back to Vietnam to free the POWs. In the midst of that, he was captured. But he survived and brought others back with him. Not only did he survive, but HE BROUGHT OTHERS BACK WITH HIM! Anyone ever heard of Daniel in the Lion’s Den?!! If not, check it out in the old testament—you know, the Bible. He was thrown into the Lion’s Den to face a ferocious enemy, yet survived due to his faith.

Have you noticed a trend yet? 

Underdogs can win with faith. 

Overcomers can overcome with faith. 

Survivors can survive with faith.

In these tumultuous times, we all need faith—the question becomes, where and how do we place our faith?

Photo by Skitterphoto on Pexels.com

Praise for NEVER SETTLED: a memoir of a boy on the road to manhood by Shawn D. Congleton

“When I first cracked open Never Settled, I did it mainly as a favor to a friend. However, this memoir quickly drew me in and I found myself engulfed in the narrative. I kept thinking to myself, “How can one person go through so much and not be angry at the world? Or at God?” I appreciate Shawn’s candor and authenticity as he shares his story. But even more than that—I am thankful for the reminder that there is no such thing as a story too broken for God to redeem. You will find such a story in the pages of this book!” – Jeremy Hudson, Pastor, Fellowship Church

“Childhood for many is a blissful time of discovery, familial love, and security. However, Shawn’s early and teen years were characterized by mental and physical abuse, confusion, and running away. He didn’t run away—his whole family did, time after time. Shawn never knew from one day to the next if he would be forced to pack up all his belongings at a moment’s notice and get in the car with the rest of his family to head out to unknown destinations or if he would be the target of his father’s rage and blame. Later, as an adult, Shawn knew he had to look to another Father for healing, support, and forgiveness. Readers will be glad that Shawn D. Congleton never settled for a life like the one in which he grew up. Now his story can give hope to hearts that are looking for a chance to be loved and to belong.” – Tanya Anderson, award-winning author and editor

“Never Settled is a moving memoir written by Shawn D. Congleton. As a reader, you’ll experience first hand the struggles of a young man striving towards a way out of his tumultuous situation. There’s a wave of emotion as you see young Shawn battle parental guidance, poverty, a nomadic lifestyle, tragedy, and a fear of what the future may hold. Open this book, and get lost in a lifestyle that at times seems surreal and other times seems like a chapter out of your own story.” – Michelle Carn, Educator

“I thoroughly enjoyed reading through this memoir. This book, more than most others, was able to reach all five senses! It took me back on a nostalgic journey of childhood memories that I had previously tucked away. I found myself relating fully to not only the stories, but the time period as well. It is a relatable story of struggle, grit, determination and triumph rolled into one that is fun to read and insightful to remember.” – Todd Buck, Educator

“In a beautifully raw and compassionate way, Shawn invites us into his painful, yet hopeful story. Through his willingness to process the pain of his childhood, we are also able to experience with him the power of redemption. I really appreciated Shawn’s candor, and his ability to tell his story with a genuine openness. Family can be the means of our greatest joys or the place of our deepest pain. To anyone who dares to look back in order to be able to finally move forward, I recommend this memoir.” – Chris LeMaster, LPC

“Shawn has been on a journey most of his life. Never Settled — a reflection of the challenges children face when being uprooted time and time again — is set within a spiritual journey of acceptance, understanding, and ultimately forgiveness. Shawn D. Congleton’s memoir is about a boy who is never fully settled because of geographical moves and poor decisions, but it is also an attempt to come to peace with the relationships Shawn shared with his siblings, mother, and ultimately his father. This spiritual journey is a nice read for those who long for agape love and the teachings of Christ our Savior.” – Terrence B. Sowers, B.S., M.A., M.Ed.

“I ordered the book and read it over the weekend.  You are nothing short of one of  the most inspiring individuals I know (or feel like I know) Have lent to book out already, and have talked it up.  Good luck!” Joanne Neiswinger

“This book is a must read!!  I started reading this and didn’t want to stop reading. I was amazed at what he endured.  I’m so inspired by all he suffered in his life yet turned out to be such a wonderful young man.” — Janice Wallace

“I’m definitely going to recommend that book to some friends. My dad would probably like it too. He has a background in psychology and still doing a little work/studying childhood trauma.” — Marcus

“I read this book from cover to cover all in one sitting. Just couldn’t put it down.

Child rearing is challenging, but it does come with certain standards of practice of which their value is self evident . . . stability, reasonable expectations, setting an example, hard work, relationships, etc. This story is one boy’s journey being raised in an environment seemingly void of all of these. And coming out on the other side to choose a new way of life.” — Marcus

“This book was so well written! I felt like I was back in time with him going through his hard, crazy life. Definitely my new favorite book.” — Jordan

“A great read of interpreting your past, and choosing to live something different. This book is inspirational, and a way to live a life of purpose when you say so!” — Jacqueline

“Really enjoyed this book, hard to fathom a life Shawn and siblings led, but such a inspiring story as he overcame so much. A must read book!” — Nucky’s Bud

“This is a must read. Imagine always being the new kid in school when school is the only escape you have. Imagine moving constantly, no friends, no destination. This book takes you on a journey that will amaze & astound you. Well written & fast paced.” — Cat Astrophe

“Never Settled is a book that once you start it, it is hard to put down. Every chapter seems to end as a cliff hanger leaving you in suspense as to what lies ahead. The story is unbelievable and incredible! There is adventure, hardship, new beginnings, heartache, love, hope and forgiveness. A must read!!” — Heidi

“I bought the book and have only a couple chapters left to read..I went to high school with the author’s dad…he was such a sweet young guy…I also know several boys who went to Vietnam and came back totally different people..what an amazing man Shawn has become going thru those so very difficult years…God bless him and all of his family, and congrats on a book well written.  He is truly an inspiration for many others.” — Christine

“Wow! If you like the story of an underdog, you’ll love this. The story of a kid who never gave up, when most others would time and time again. It was heartbreaking, but aren’t the best stories? And in the end, a true story of redemption and forgiveness.” — Brittany Fry

“As I read “Never Settled”, it brought out a variety of emotions in me. It brought tears and actually made me angry at times, yet put a smile on my face with the challenges this young boy experienced; and then the success he had overcoming some very difficult times. But most importantly, I found this to be a personal and very inspirational story of a frightened but strong willed youngster having to grow up too fast. I highly recommend reading this book, it’s hard to put down once you start.” — Chris

“I have to confess that as I began reading this book I was disturbed. It seemed somewhat like hanging out dirty laundry for the public to see. Then, I became fascinated by the toughness of the Congleton children. While there seemed to be many reasons why the older children should give up on life; they tougher it out. Their endurance, no doubt, led to determination to build better lives, marriages and homes for themselves. Instead of seeing their father as a model for future behavior, they broke the mold and revolted against becoming like him. I was particularly impressed by the way the author demonstrated his reconciliation with the sins of his father. He has given us a good example of how we might overcome struggles when living in a dysfunctional family.

I would suggest reading this book with anyone, especially those raised in or living in difficult family environments. I fear that many families might mirror parts of this family portrayal. It pains me to admit that I see the family of my childhood at times in these pages. Families who have little or nothing, as well as the families of kings, presidents, well to do and celebrities have similar struggles within the walls of homes.

I submit this review in the hope that the book, Never Settled, will enjoy a wide readership. I encourage the reader to work through the darkness and pain you might need to endure. Prepare to be blessed by the bright sunshine and rainbow that you will encounter. Learn and grow in your own life and family when you have completed a journey that truly seems to be Never Settled. Thank you Mr. Shawn Congleton.” – Reuben Trussell

“Shawn Congleton could be seen as an OVERCOMER. As a child, one of seven in his family, he rarely finished a school year in a single school, sometimes entering 2-3 different ones within the year. His family moved, at times, every few weeks. He and other siblings were physically, mentally and emotionally abused from an early age. The older children were to care for the younger children. They were responsible for fixing meals and keeping up the house/trailer because, though their father occasionally worked, their mother worked full-time as much as she was able, considering their gypsy-like existence. Ultimately, however, as Shawn tells it, Jesus Christ was his OVERCOMER! Rarely did the children go to church, though they would wait in the car when their dad went into a church to speak to the minister. Often he would return to the car with a place to stay, gas for the car and meals for the family. When he was old enough to leave the family, through God’s sovereignty, Shawn found the One who helped him to OVERCOME not only the pain of his upbringing but the hate in his heart toward his father. An inspirational read–not pleasant, but inspirational.” — Sheryl

“Shawn’s book was so easy to read! I am not a reader and finished this in 5 days. Shawn’s changed heart toward his earthly father is a true miracle of God’s work, you can’t explain it any other way! I was in shock of all Shawn had to go through in his tender growing up years. I was very moved and emotional to read about the amazing healing and forgiveness that has occurred in him! What an awesome example to us as Christ followers to forgive and love those that sin against us. You must read this book!!” – Emily

Settled…

It’s been a bit of a whirlwind. You know when you anticipate something for so long and then it happens—it blows by like a wind that you almost missed. I am just now settling down from it all.

The Book Launch Party was a tremendous success! I am so thankful for those that made it both in person and online. It started slow with in person attendance and I was a little apprehensive about that due to certain individuals who told me they would be there and then didn’t show.

Inviting people to events and then being disappointed by them not coming has always been a sore spot for me. It was one of my emotional challenges in ministry. But this was personal. However I knew I needed to have grace with others because we are literally in the midst of a pandemic and it was two days after Christmas. 

I couldn’t deny, though how it made me feel—a little down while I was getting ready to begin. Then the event started. I opened with my inspiration for writing the story which felt combobulated as it came out, no matter the fact that I had prepared in my mind what I wanted to say and wrote down notes to keep from forgetting it. 

Then I read a chapter from my book. That went surprisingly well. I didn’t cry. LOL For those that don’t know me well, that was a success! Of course, I chose a chapter that wasn’t very emotional, but was also a good summary of the way we moved. 

People were flabbergasted. They had no idea what it was like. It has been amazing to me that people who I thought knew me very well—had no idea. Saying “we moved a lot” doesn’t translate to what it was actually like. Even reading this “unemotional” account from one of my chapters doesn’t translate until you read the stories of how/why.

So many people have commented back… it was an emotional journey… it was a whirlwind of emotions… I felt so many things… I need time to process… I will get back to your review, I need some time first… 

Yes, it was emotional to live, as well. 

At this point in the Launch Party, the room had filled. Almost too full, due to COVID restrictions/limits. A few people even peaked their head in the doorway to say hi because there wasn’t room to come in. I heard one or two came in the hallway and then left because it was too full. A great friend of mine from the past, tried to start online, said it was too choppy then showed up for the second half.

We did a great family interview. I had no idea how that would turn out. A few of my siblings seemed very comfortable when we practiced discussion on Christmas day, but a few were still trying to figure out mute and unmute, when to talk and when to listen, etc. The family interview went very well, all things considered. But the best part was how my mom ended it, without any personal prompting or suggestions. 

“I feel like this family shows that you can come back from anything because everyone of you have grown up to be responsible adults and good parents and good providers for your families. And everyone of you is what every parent would hope their children would turn out to be.”

You have no idea the tears that came to my eyes for that. Each and every time I hear it.

Number one—it is so true. 

Second—thank you mom, thank you. 

Third—mom just doesn’t say stuff like that. She doesn’t. She is not much of a talker. She is quiet and reserved. She is sweet as all get out, but just doesn’t say much. 

Fourth—I see it in every one of my siblings. 

Fifth—this is similar to one of my messages in the book, but so true of all of us. 

Sixth—God is good.

By the end, I was overwhelmed by the love and support shown to me at the Book Launch Party. I was thankful for those that viewed online, as well.

I have been receiving many nice messages from people as they finish the book. They are all so encouraging and appreciated. 

Once you’ve had time to “process”, don’t forget to go to Amazon and/or Goodreads to leave a review. We need help getting this message out. I hope more will be inspired!! Thank you for being a part of all of this!

ANTICIPATION

I woke up around 1 a.m. and realized that my Kindle book had been released. I was excited—surprisingly so since my paperback had arrived around 10 days ago. That anticipation, that nervousness, the excitement where an idea had become reality was similar to when I held the paperback version of my book for the first time. 

I turned on my iPad, opened my Kindle App and the first book listed—NEVER SETTLED: a memoir of a boy on the road to manhood by Shawn D. Congleton. Preorder worked.

It was real. It was real, real. It looked just like any other book—reeeaaaal professional like (in the voice of Cousin Eddie). Thanks to Brenna Myers, my cover designer. I clicked the cover and immediately it began downloading. It was loaded in mere seconds.

I clicked again. Oh, my gosh. My title page. My table of contents. It all looked so professional and just like I created. It was really, real. 

I glanced down my chapter titles. Hmmm, Springfield. I don’t remember reading that chapter in a while. Tomorrow, I’m going to be sharing this book with Springfield, I thought. Well, later today, that is.

I scrolled through each chapter, checking out the pictures associated with each title. They were in color, different from the paperback black & white version. I zoomed in. Wow, each picture could take up the whole screen of my iPad when I zoom. That’s cool, I thought. 

You could see the tears in my dad’s eyes at graduation. It was more obvious mom was in the picture at my wrestling tournament. You could see the pink in my 80s era button up, large collared shirt.

I got caught up at Chapter 22—Springfield, Ohio (Summer 1992). I started reading.

I was immediately taken back 28 years. It seemed like yesterday. Going to High Street Church of the Nazarene youth group for the first time. Meeting Steve’s dad. Missing our old senior pastor. Recognizing how integral my mother-in-law, Rosemary was in my life, though I had no idea at the time. (And no interest in her daughter.)

I started reading about my introduction to Jesus and church. Yep, that was true. That was real. I wonder how many people who don’t know, wonder about the same things I wondered. 

Then, I just started to see these puzzle pieces coming together to set me on a trajectory. It was all seemingly so happenstance. And yet, so directed at the same time.

I cannot begin to tell you how much that church, that group of people meant to me. Sadly, it doesn’t exist anymore. I can’t go back. Yes, the building is still in Springfield. The “organization” of High Street Church of the Nazarene is still LIVE and kicking. A few of those people still attend. But, that original group of people, THAT church no longer exists.

They were my surrogate aunts and uncles and cousins and brothers and sisters and grandmas and grandpas and well, they were family. They loved me into the Kingdom. I wished I could go back and share my story with them. I hope they find it, wherever they are now and read it for themselves. It will be great if any of them make it to my Book Launch Party tomorrow.

My Book Launch Party. Excitement. Anticipation. Fear. Nervousness. All of it. 

On top of that, I get to eat carbs tomorrow. I’m putting my Keto diet on hold for a day.

My mom is flying in to be with me. My family will be joining me on Zoom to discuss the book and our lives after many of them had Christmas together in Texas that ended in an argument for a couple of them. I mean, what’s family, without a few arguments?!?

While easy in one sense, I chose a chapter to read at the party that was a fairly good summation of my life and yet, one that was also less emotional. I can’t imagine reading an emotional chapter out loud. I tried to simply read my acknowledgements to my mother-in-law on Christmas Day and had to stop three or four times because I was overwhelmed with tears of joy.

I plan to close the event reading those same pages. We’ll see if I get through it.

This… anticipation… is all so overwhelming. But in a good way. 

I can’t wait to share it with you. 

See you at 5 pm at COhatch or Facebook Live! (Facebook.com/shawndcongleton)

Come early to purchase food and drinks from The Painted Pepper and hear Thaddeus Williams of The American Landscape sing one of my favorite songs—Dining with the Devil.

I finally fell back asleep around 3 a.m. Zzzzzzz…

The time the cops made us move our car… an excerpt from Ch. 10 of NEVER SETTLED

We were in Washington, Indiana for about two weeks. Dad didn’t like his job and he decided to move on. The next eighteen months were a blur. After much discussion with my family, we have not been able to figure out where we were after that and for how long. However, in late September 1983, we were on our way again. We arrived back in Loogootee for a third time, fully loaded down in our typical fashion.

Actually, just prior to arriving in Loogootee, we had stopped at a restaurant to get something to eat for lunch. We parked out front by the road and walked inside to eat. About half way through our meal, a police officer walked into the restaurant and spoke to the manager.

We all had grown leary of the police. Whenever they were around, we were likely to be in trouble and we feared their involvement in our lives. We all quietly, kept eating with our heads down hoping the cop would not see us. The manager spoke to the police officer for a couple of minutes and then pointed to our table.

My dad pretended not to notice, but I knew something was wrong. The police officer walked over to our table.

“Is that your car out there?” the policeman asked, pointing out the window to our car.

“Yes, sir. Is there a problem?” my dad asked politely. My dad knew his long hair, beard and moustache were likely to draw attention from the police, so he did his best to be respectful. He felt as if he had been treated poorly by cops because of these ever since he returned from Vietnam and got out of the military.

“You’re gonna have to move your car,” he explained.

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This just got really, real.

shawndcongleton.com/neversettled

Order NEVER SETTLED today!

You can NOW order NEVER SETTLED on paperback at $14.99 or Kindle at $9.99 on Amazon. Order today to get by Launch Day! (12.27.2020)