As a child living on the Alberta prairies during the 1930s and 1940s, Florence Bell traveled between the influence of three cultures: English morals and manners of her family working as missionaries on the Blackfoot Reserve, her Indian neighbors emerging from their tribal past, and the Canadian people striving for independence. Dust, the Great Depression, and World War II added other dimensions.

Following her memories between past and present connects her to that child-she-used-to-be and gives her an acceptance and understanding of why she is who she is today, influenced by all of the differing facets of her life.

Florence declares, "I can accept the child trudging up the road with one braid undone, her hair flying around her face in the wind, a knee sock drooping. I'm not ashamed of her disheveled appearance, her skinned knees, or her awkward attempt at good manners when she's too shy to say hello. I'll go out and welcome her home."