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Parents-to-be Michael and his wife, Jerry, arrived at the Salt Lake City hospital, nervous but excited for their first child. However, shortly after being born, their baby, Tracy, was transferred to a children's medical center. Exams had revealed a problem with the baby's heart. Miraculously, she survived that first day and the week after. Still, development was slow for Tracy, coupled with disabilities as she grew older, but she was determined and full of spiritual wisdom beyond her age. In time, Tracy welcomed new members of the family: three brothers, cats that she loved, and friends.
Although her health issues cast a shadow especially on her late teens, Tracy accomplished a long-time milestone with her parents faithfully by her side every step of the way. Then, "At 3:00 p.m., Thursday, March 4, 1993, Tracy Lynn Purles took her last breath. That mortal adventure begun 20 years ago had ended and she greeted those who waited for her “on the other side” with open arms and a pure heart. She was so beautiful in this life passage, filled with dignity and the aura of Heaven about her."
The author's poignant narrative makes it clear that love and light followed Tracy everywhere she went. Joy in all its forms shines through her father's memories of her, and Tracy, with surprising depth and maturity for someone so young, taught him about faith, peace, perseverance, and identity. Purles reveals that while his daughter's body was frail, her spirit was strong. Tracy's story inspires readers to take a deep look at who they are and to reflect on the courage it takes to endure the hardest seasons of life. Furthermore, this story drives home the truth that the time one has with loved ones often teaches the most honest lessons about oneself.