<p>This is a memoir that begins in 1978 and jumps back to the 1960s before coming back to the present again.&nbsp; It is the story of a child born with cystic fibrosis, the beginning and life of a child who was raised to live and be happy, not to hide and prepare for the end.&nbsp; She was a vibrant child whose life made a difference to family members and written as a tribute so that her brother and sister could learn to know their older sister.&nbsp; Cystic fibrosis is a life debilitating disease that often affects children and sometimes is not diagnosed until early childhood.&nbsp; The author&#39;s daughter was diagnosed the day she was born.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Chrissy has Cystic Fibrosis.&nbsp; The Mayo Clinic defined the children&rsquo;s disease as a life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system.&nbsp; It is an inherited condition and affects the cells that produce mucus, sweat and digestive juices. These secreted fluids are normally thin and slippery.&nbsp; But in Cystic Fibrosis, a defective gene causes the secretions to become thick and sticky. Instead of acting as a lubricant, the secretions plug up tubes, ducts and passageways, especially in the lungs and pancreas.&nbsp; Cystic Fibrosis is most common in white people of Northern European ancestry, but also occurs in Hispanics, African-Americans and some Native Americans. It is rare in people of Asian and Middle Eastern origin.&nbsp; Cystic Fibrosis requires daily care, most people with the condition are able to attend school and with treatment, many children have lived into young adulthood.</p><p>The memoir brings this young girl from infancy until she gives up the fight.&nbsp; Her mother&#39;s life is turbulent until she learns to stand on her own two feet at the age of twenty three years old.&nbsp; Trials and tribulations, lots of baggage and a strong will to live, smile and dream brings the story to fruition.</p>