The Mountain Beyond

by Terry Miller

"Hoppy is gone! What will we do?" My father replied. "Well, we just have to search for him." "Well, I'm sure he'll turn up in due time." There it was, the final anticipation that he would come home! However, I didn't buy it! Off to my room I went - dejected and devoid of all hope. The tears came quickly in the quiet of my room. Emotion, especially tears, was an expression of feelings that were not allowed in our household. As a matter of fact, this era did not support the outward showing of emotion period! It was the philosophy that, "Grown men don't cry!" Why not? Men were supposed to be strong, masculine and reserved. Showing other emotions diminished that role. Tears were not to be shown. Hugs and saying "I love you" were rarely seen nor were they acceptable. Terry Miller was born on August 25, 1939 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. He grew up in the small town of Thurmont, Maryland during the 1940s and 50s. He was inspired to share this memoir dealing with the struggles of climbing life's mountains; more importantly, the victories achieved along the way. It takes the reader through life's experiences that evolve into personal growth lessons and lasting spiritual strengths. Terry resides with his wife on a five acre country setting in Waxahachie, Texas with their horses and a "free range" dog named Smokey. Terry and his wife have four grown children and six grandchildren. He retired from a career in banking and is the Director of Pastoral Care in Waxahachie Bible Church.

220 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2008

Reviews

[Chickadee · Rating 3 out of 5]

This memoir centers around my favorite eras – the 1940’s and 50’s.

Terry Miller shares his stories of growing up in a simpler time, where kids could be kids and spend lazy hot summers at the local swimming hole. I enjoyed this book and could easily visualize the scenes that Mr. Miller described as he reminisced about the “soda jerks” and his first time ever making a phone call. Though the book is mostly happy memories, Terry does share honestly about his dysfunctional home life which leads him to have a nervous breakdown at the age of 17. Through this difficult time, he accepted Jesus as his personal savior and went on to have a successful career in banking. Faith and perseverance is the main thread throughout this memoir.

[Wyndy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book provided a fantastic glimpse into a childhood that was much different than most children experience today. It was also a fond remembrance of this reviewer's own childhood of the same era. The "ponders" or words of wisdom liberally spread throughout the book provide good advice for living life to the fullest at any age. The only problem this reviewer had was with the flow of the story which occasionally backtracked to the author at an earlier age. This made it difficult to resume the story when read over a period of time. This is a great book best read in one sitting.

By Wyn's husband