"Now I know Bertie Stroup Marah is as heartfelt and talented a writer as she is a painter. I cannot convey how touched I was by her story. We are a product of our families, aren't we all? We take the good things and fold them into relationships we choose, and we, hopefully, learn from the difficult things and push ourselves to seek something different, or to at least find some peace and acceptance. I can picture her, that lovely, nurturing and talented child, and see how she grew into the woman we know her to be." Laurena Davis, Writer and Editor, Grand Junction, Colorado "We have loved Bertie and her beautiful, award-winning paintings for many years. What a revelation to learn of her beginnings! This book evokes so many emotions and ultimately teaches the tenacity of the human spirit." Dan Deuter, Western Artist and Historian, Ellie Deuter, Retired School Teacher "Bertie's story is a testament to the 3 T's. Her tenacity, her talent and triumph. She just kept on fighting and we are all the better for it. The enjoyment of her stunning work will be her gift to all of us - It is an inspiring story." Willa Sorensen, Retired Principal & School Board Member, Delta County School District 50 "I laughed, I cried, and I had knots in my stomach reading about the tough times. I could picture it all. I could not or would not try to make it better. It is a wonderful story and it is clearly from the heart." Rhonda Atchetee, ExxonMobile, Procurement Manager "A delight to read. Down to earth memories -funny, touching and sometimes heartbreaking but never boring." Almira Whiteside, retired English Professor, Albuquerque, NM