The foundation of Eva's story is her diaries. She kept diaries for most of the years from 1964 until 1986. Her story before and after the diaries and gaps in the diaries were filled in with research and interviews. The setting for Eva's story was grounded in historical events, Minnesota culture, and her faith. Several challenges faced Eva Larsen Sanford Schimming including ill health as a child, The Great Depression, a flood, multiple miscarriages and the loss of a full-term infant, an unwanted relocation, serving as a caregiver for many, widowhood, and suffering a stroke. The great news is how she navigated these obstacles with grace. Her dedication to her family, friends, and faith gave her the strength to carry on no matter what came her way. She left a grand legacy, not in material wealth, but in the people she invested in through her well-lived life.

Sylvia Sanford Heinze was born in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, the youngest child of Vance and Eva Sanford. She graduated from Detroit Lakes Community High School, was awarded a Baccalaureate degree from Olivet Nazarene College (now University), the University of Illinois at Chicago awarded her a Master's degree in clinical oncology nursing, and finally, she received her Ph.D. in Nursing from the University of Kansas School of Nursing. Her career in nursing and raising a family of her own have been successful and satisfying because of the nurture and care she received from her family, especially from her mother, Eva. Sylvia has previously published in professional journals with scholarly writings. This book is her first foray into non-professional writing. Now retired, Sylvia enjoys scrapbooking and volunteers at her church as well as serves as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children in foster care.