Thomas L. Wiley tells the story of Ollie Parker, The Telegrapher, as he faces the difficulties and limitations of not being whole. From the taunts of the school bully and the awkward self-consciousness and rejection of young love, to the envy that engulfs him as he watches his best friend go off to war, Ollie sees life passing him by. But through the loving wisdom of his grandmother and the captivating dots and dashes of the telegraph, he finds that even in tragedy there is room for hope and fulfillment.