Judy Woods-Knight grew up in Salem, Oregon, where her father became Deputy State Forester. Her dad could "see into the souls of others," but Judy says that his overwhelming attributes were his generosity and his subtle sense of humor.

Her mother was a talented pianist, decorator, and cook. It was through 50 years of her weekly letters that Judy discovered the source of any writing skills she possesses today.

Her life as an Army wife and mother showed her the world and introduced her to a wide range of experiences, joys, stresses, and sorrows.

When reading this book, one can easily see the influences of her upbringing and her marriage and how they impacted her skills as a generous, flexible substitute teacher who always seemed to want to create win-win situations for her students and herself, regardless of how "naughty" or challenging any particular student may have been.

She now says, "If I were to sum up what I have learned in life it would be this: "Everything is going to be okay in the end; and if it isn't, it isn't the end."