When Tekla was thirteen, her mother committed suicide four years after her father died. Tekla's twenty-three-year-old sister, Alyce, a working mother and abused spouse, became her guardian. This memoir presents their journey from a tragedy-filled life in a bleak railroad town to one of victory over impossible odds. The two sisters encounter not only the death of their parents and domestic violence, but other fearsome and timeless demons: a fight for their lives, attempted murder, rape, abuse, kidnapping, and poverty. They also experience the kindness of strangers, delight in the humorous moments of everyday life, and discover the strength borne of the love between two sisters. Together they struggle to understand and ultimately define their roles as women and prevail against terrible odds. This often sad chronicle celebrates their triumphs and ultimately leaves us with the knowledge that we can shape our own destiny and accomplish our goals despite adversities.