Inspired by my grandmother Reggie, who in 1939 adopted a raw food lifestyle and traveled the world studying with J. Krishnamurti , I wrote our family story only to find hidden the other story I never knew about, the one about my grandfather Louie who at the age of 17 fled Russia, never to see his family again, arrived in America, and peddled his way south where he made a life in the town of Sparta, Georgia. His story was one of unrelenting loss, resilience and tenacity.

Between their two stories, along with the challenges, inspiration and support from my family growing up, I have forged a living and a life which I hope pays tribute to the values, sacrifices and stories of all who came before me, both those I know of, as well as those before them.

Where I came from and who I am has become an evolving question . The answer is a process.