Watch for the whirlwinds

the long version

The untimely death of Meryl Jean Strom’s mother forced her to evolve from a thirteen year old child who never had to pick up after herself, to one expected to do chores, work as a field hand and learn how to chop and pick cotton. After her mother's death, Meryl was left at her grandmother's house in Missouri with only her clothes, her potential, and a list of 'nevers' that she hoped to experience never again--including belt lashings from her drunken father and emotional abuse. In her new home, she discovered whirlwinds, both real and emotional, and learned that they can sometimes refresh you, and sometimes suck the life from you. This heartwarming saga of a child who used the haunting dreams and scars of her young past as stair steps to rise to a better future will encourage all who read it.