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Author Spaulding presents an emotive memoir of her chaotic, dramatic life journey sustained by her spiritual outlook at every twist and turn. Born to a poor farm family and the younger of two sisters, she was adored, guided, and dominated by her outgoing, somewhat overbearing father but rejected by her lonely, withdrawn mother, who had not wanted a second child. As a result, the author soon learned to work and to obey, her youthful zest and intelligence noticeable in her quick grasp of farm chores, her love of animals, and her genuine interest in all things mechanical. Beset by measles and a dangerously high fever at age five, she developed a lifelong disorder that caused weight gain and hair loss, requiring her to wear a wig and suffer taunts from other children.
As an adult, she gained a solid reputation as a caregiver, sometimes having twenty or more young people in her home and assisting ailing adults, too, despite her own health issues. She married more than once, with self-esteem issues affecting her treatment by spouses until she learned to hold fast to the religious faith and principles that sprang from her true, strong character.
Spaulding, who attained a college degree with honors in her thirties, has a clear gift as a wordsmith. She is comfortable in conveying both human tragedy and homespun humor. She colorfully recounts numerous incidents in which an accident or illness threatened to destroy whatever she had gained until a long-lost relative, a new friend, or a passing stranger intervened and helped her recoup. She is quick to thank God for every such occasion, feeling fortunate now to have close family ties and to have survived so many catastrophes. Her inspiring recollections clearly show that her ability to love and be loved has continually increased over the years.