"Adelia emerges as a physically fragile young woman full of tremendous emotional strength, her 'never give up' attitude an inspiration to us all . This well-crafted memoir of Adelia and all the intriguing characters is worthy of anyone's time."

-Susan Duke, author

On the first night Adelia was admitted to the hospital, the doctors delivered the tragic news to my parents that she would probably not live through the night. The doctors, however, had not taken into consideration the fight this little eight year old girl had in her heart and soul. She was stubborn, she was strong, and she wanted to live. Mom always thought that Adelia's determination to live came from her strong desire to see her baby sister. No one dreamed it would take years to fulfill this desire.

For the next thirteen months, Adelia lived in her iron lung with a paralysis that left her unable to move anything but one little finger and the ability to blink her eyes. Polio had stripped her of any form of mobility.