Hillbilly Elegy

scale. When I look back at my life, what
jumps out is how many variables had to
fall in place in order to give me a
chance. There was my grandparents’
constant presence, even when my mother
and stepfather moved far away in an
effort to shut them out. Despite the
revolving door of would-be father
figures, I was often surrounded by caring
and kind men. Even with her faults, Mom
instilled in me a lifelong love of
education and learning. My sister always
protected me, even after I’d physically
outgrown her. Dan and Aunt Wee opened
their home when I was too afraid to ask.
Long before that, they were my first real
exemplars of a happy and loving