As a child, Patricia was abandoned by her mother and left in the care of her father and grandmother. Her father is called to war in the jungles of New Guinea, and her grandmother-not the most loving woman-refuses to care for the young girl. Patricia is put into foster care, under the watchful eye of a kind, elderly couple. Her life in the Haggerty home is one of peace and gardening. At eight years old, she is happy there and would have remained so if not for the arrival of her cruel mother. Her mother suffers from a violent temper. Patricia's safe, stable life with the Haggertys is gone forever, and her trials are increased as the years go by. She has to meet them alone; a trial; a marriage; raising her kids alone. Then the challenge of her own well being has to be met and conquered. How will she meet all the obstacles? When will it all end?