The initial reaction after reading this book is to feel sorry for Judy Carol, a little 5 year old black child growing up in the mountains under very challenging circumstances. She is a product of her environment. Her role models in life were not quitters. Money was very scarce. Yet when something ailed them, they got out the ole "home-remedy" playbook( rub down with this or that and then take a spoon full of castor oil) and then you continued what you were doing. Judy Carol displayed a tremendous amount of strength, determination, vision, and responsibility. In spite of the mystery and questions surrounding her constant pain episodes, she never gave up... in spite of.. her accomplishments were many. Throughout her childhood, she had one trusted friend, her sister Linda (18 months her senior) who became her friend, her playmate, her mother, and her protector. The important lesson learned is that when faced with an obstacle, find another solution.