After an extraordinary mystical experience during the birth of her daughter and then the death of her young sister-in-law, Neva Ellen is left wondering about the meaning of life. She slips into a deep depression, but a five-month stay in a state-run hospital for the insane helps her find answers. After leaving, however, she moves from town to town and ends up raising two small children alone. Her wise decision to return to college for three years leads to a career as a teacher and a more s...