When the young daughter of a German scientist is transplanted to America, her new life is fraught with painful circumstances. Isolation, divorce, and mental illness impact her formative years, while the devastation of war and the challenge of life in a new country reveal the best and worst of human nature. With fear her constant companion, carried by forces within and beyond herself, she survives and thrives. This is her story.

Through it all, she comes to realize that everyone struggles, but she can only control her own behavior. She persists in the belief that she'll become stronger and wiser. It is hoped that in her story, others may find support and encouragement to get them through their own dark times.