Having lived as a child through times of Nazi violence, I am familiar with loss and terrifying uncertainty, and have witnessed gritty heroism. This is a memoir about my mother's fi erce genius for survival and deep love for me. It is the story of love and hope found in new relationships, and of my struggle to give meaning to the madness I experienced and witnessed and that lingers in me as an adult. I acknowledge that along with the privilege of survival comes the obligation to live one's life to its fullest and honor those who did not survive.