My parents raised me to believe that I could do, feel, and express anything that I wanted. That was a very healthy way to grow up, but there are situations and events that have happened in my 20s, 30s, 40s, and 50s that I want to share. You see, I am an American woman. I'm a product of the 1960s, I'm a product of America, I'm a product of racial prejudice, I'm a product of being a woman, and regardless of the freedom we have in this country, there are guidelines, parameters, and limitations that have affected my life. That is why I am writing this book-to pass along the lessons I have learned.