vietnam war, vietnam veteran, mentally disabled, friendship, usa president, washington dc, usa, post-traumatic stress disorder (ptsd), waitress, based on novel or book, hippie, single parent, parent child relationship, optimism, 1970s, drug addiction, autism, alabama, black panther party, bus stop, family relationships, chameleon, single mother, military, anti war protest, 1960s, college american football, mother son relationship, reminiscent, amused, enthusiastic, feel-good,