Joletta returns home to find her mother passed out on the couch, again Jo is frightened not only for herself but for her baby sister Annie Joletta knows it is not right. Mothers are supposed to take care of their children, not the other way around Just because Sam, Annie's father, left them, does not excuse Mom's behavior Mom even spent the money they receive from Social services and missed the appointment with the WIC program, which provides extra food supplements for children in need Joletta is hurt and angry with Mom, but that will not buy food for Annie, so she decides her only option is to ask the neighbor, Mrs. Taylor if she will lend them some money. She has to tell a lie, which she knows isn't right, but certainly does not want to tell the neighbor the "true story "Susan Taylor, who was widowed as a young mother, raised her children in her big Victorian house and although the neighborhood is not what it used to be, refuses to leave her home. She senses that something seems a little "off" when the girl asks for a loan, but readily agrees to give her the $10.00 Joletta ask for. As time goes by, she will become an important part of, not only Joletta's life but also very special to the entire family.Jim Benning is their Social Service Worker who Sandi, Joletta's Mom, resents but realizing she must co-operate with in order to get the state assistance the family needs, she continues to meet with him. The story follows Joletta and her family through the next years as Jo grows and matures into a young woman. What do her dreams mean? Where will her hopes take her, and what life challenges will she meet along her journey?