Born in Germany before World War II and immigrating at age thirteen, the author has experienced a great variety of events, both personal and historical. She married a U.S. military man of Chinese descent and became the mother of four children. Her interest in learning the English language as well as her husband's heritage have led her to the University level of research. As a storyteller, she has translated the documentation and her observations into narrative easy-to-read form. The author lives with her husband in Northern California within easy driving distance of all her children and grandchildren.