Elaine Staaël Haugen was born into a life of challenges. Her great-grandmother was institutionalized. She survived E Coli as an

infant, and while hospitalized, doctors discovered she was blind.

Nevertheless, Elaine persevered.

In Rings of a Family Tree, Haugen tells her inspiring story, proving

- Your family background doesn't determine your future

- Your past doesn't define you unless you allow it

- Your "disabilities" only limit you when you let them

Most important, the difficulties we encounter can act as rings, forming us into stronger, empowered, and more beautiful people than we were before.