The book describes the trials and tribulations of a modern day homesteader family in the badlands of New Mexico and their struggle against the elements and the economic consequences of the Great Depression. It tells of an 18 year old school teacher's strong belief in the importance of education that led her, against all odds, to go from teaching grades 1 thru 8 in a one room log cabin to becoming a university professor. She passed her belief in lifelong learning on to her only child who became a successful surgeon. He tells in this book about his journey through life and the joy and gratification that comes from being able to help others in times of injury or illness and having the knowledge and skills to assist in their recovery. Characters and events are real and described by the author as they happened from his perspective. A few names have been changed to protect the privacy of the living, and in a few instances the reputations of the dearly departed.