Following the solid, traditional nurse and midwife training offered by Britain in the 60s, my chosen path took me on a journey of extremes. War zones and refugee camps; burning deserts and frozen tundra; the stunning beauty of the Himalayas, and tropical sunsets that take the breath away. I have learned lessons not taught in any school room. Over some 40 years, I have accumulated powerful recollections of the people who never make the headlines. These grew within me until I felt compelled to write down some of the stories, which bring to life the places I have lived, the stunning events I have witnessed and the people I have loved and cared for. The task of writing these stories was never easy. I had to do justice to the people, places and events. I want you, the reader, to feel as though you are looking over my shoulder, experiencing first hand the magnificence that exists in all of us. All the stories are true. Bad stuff happens to good people. All I desire is we learn of the strength of the human spirit even when it seems all is lost. The smile of a child, the touch of a hand and the last beat of a heart – too many people have gone by as I have gone on – this is their story.