The War Within

The wounded Iraq War vet B.D. continues his healing journey in this sequel to the Doonesbury book The Long Road Home. When his Humvee was blown apart in Fallujah, B.D. lost his leg—and his signature helmet—but it wasn't his time to die. As his healing process continues, he discovers that the "war within" can be a long and lonely struggle. It's hardly the life of a "glamorous amputee" imagined by his daughter's jealous classmate. With his coaching job at Walden re-secured and the marathon PT sessions paying off, B.D.'s return to normalcy seems to be progressing well. But those who love him see alarming signs of trouble. As B.D. admits to his doctor, "I'd rather sleep with my weapon than my wife! How messed up is that?" Messed up enough that he starts circling the local Vet Center, where he is gently reeled in by a remarkable counselor and Vietnam Vet named Elias. Their sessions together form an extraordinary and moving chronicle of catharsis and coming-to-terms. The words "Welcome home, soldier," are powerful and transformative, and B.D. is finally getting to a place where he can hear them.