Elizabeth grew up in upstate New York. Her cultural background is German and Scottish. After New York had a freeze on hiring new teachers, she served in the U.S. Navy and later worked as a nurse educator. She now lives in the state of Washington close to her four children and nine grandchildren ranging in ages from 5 to 21. While in high school and college, she was always active in writing and drama. This story was written when she learned of the passing of one of her long-time friends which caused her to think back and remember her friends who shared her cultural identity and of one who helped her make the jump into our American society. it is dedicated to all of her friends that she… encountered along the way and to all they contributed to her own unique identity.