Can an absent mother's love save her child? Sadie rummages her memory forevery proverb her mother uttered; they become her mantras. Her before-drugs mother always tried to see goodness everywhere and Sadie tries to emulate her,soaking up any glints of kindness to insulate her in hard times. Can poetry substitute for tears? Sadie expresses her emotions in poems, whichshe hides away in her suitcase, and if found will cost her a beating. Can simple objects like a red plastic glass minister to an abused child? Yes, ifyou are Sadie; the glass is her talisman. This is not just a story of just hardship. It s about coming through hardshipwith your soul intact, about fi nally triumphing and thriving. At its core it s aboutfi nding, although not understanding, forgiveness.