Editor's Comments The contrast between Michelle's high energy and cheerful demeanor with the very challenging, sometimes tragic stories she was relating, was fascinating. As I worked on the book I discovered her "secret." The common thread through it all was her strong will to come out on the other side of any bad situation the victor; "Smelling like a rose," as her father had told her many times, that she would. She never allowed herself to be dispirited, beaten down or defeated. Michelle's story is a powerful example of a woman who made it through one adverse circumstance after another and landed in the best possible place - above and beyond it all. Her strength of spirit makes it impossible to feel sorry for her. Instead, you immediately want to be friends with her. The truth about Michelle is that she is a deeply caring, multi-talented, smart, funny and wise person - someone I greatly admire and trust.