Somebody's Grandpa: A Memoir by Alice Johnson-Zeiger

Alice Johnson-Zeiger's memoir relates stories from her first husband's life, directed specifically to his grandsons who never had the chance to know him. Mac (McClaren Johnson, Jr. M.D.) was a young man who had it all--intelligence, good looks, dynamic personality and supporting parents Yet, he could not continue effectively on the path he began-- to follow his father and grandfather into the practice of medicine. He constantly sought to find what was missing from his life. Alice thought she could provide the missing piece, but it was not to be. With humor and nuance, she relates the adventures and ups and downs of their 14 year relationship. With the continuing wear and tear of self doubt, unsettled goals, and the responsibilities for a growing family, the marriage unravels. Fun and adventures give way to the drama of undiagnosed bipolar disease as Mac fights his personal demons. As a last resort, the couple divorces, but Mac finds that his problems remain. He no longer has any use for his life. Yet he leaves behind an ex-spouse and two daughters who cannot forget him.