Josie's Gift — Donald Smith

This is a novel about Josie Blandon, a pregnant sixteen-year-old Jewish Believer who quits school, and runs away from her family, her faith, and her ethnicity to marry a twenty-two-year-old drug dealer. At first the marriage is carefree and fun, but soon turns abusive as Roger gets deeper into using alcohol, and the drugs he is selling. Josie gives birth to a son, Stevie. Two subsequent pregnancies are terminated by abortions. On the run for seven years, justice finally catches up, and Roger is killed in a courtroom shootout with a police detective, but not before he wounds several people including the judge. Josie is left with having to clear herself of criminal charges associated with Roger's crime spree, and with the task of making a new life for her six-year-old son. Donald Smith holds B. S., M.Ed. and doctorate degrees. From 1973 through 2000 he taught graduate courses in counseling and human behavior at Sul Ross State University, Rio Grande College in Texas. Upon his retirement from a distinguished career in 1998, the University conferred upon him the title of Distinguished Professor Emeritus. During his distinguished career, Dr. Smith conducted two major research studies, authored numerous articles in professional journals, wrote many papers for presentation at professional meetings. He authored four books in a series called "Empowering Families" and with his wife Dr. Anita Torres authored two books highlighting regional history and culture in Southwest Texas. Along with his university teaching, his professional counseling experiences are varied, including public schools, private practice, jails, prison, court and probation. He was one of the founders of Christian Counselors of Texas, a professional organization for Christians in the counseling, psychology and social work fields.