This book recreates the life of Erna Holyer, a woman who weathered more twists and turns than the average mortal. Born into a turbulent political era, she survived Hitler's dictatorship in Germany, World War II bombings, two major heart surgeries and breast cancer. She left her native land, family, friends, culture and language to marry an American she met while working at a U.S. military base. Creating a new life for herself in America, she became an author, educator and artist. She wrote books in a language she learned as an adult. Survival secrets she discovered throughout her varied and interesting life add to this engrossing autobiography. In addition to Erna's personal story, readers get fascinating glimpses into an era fraught with earth shattering events.