Gold leaf, barbwire, and chisel marks seem appropriate as I reflect on the hardship, courage, cruelty, grace and goodness revealed in Emil and Adeline’s story. I grew up hearing bits of their harrowing ordeal - fleeing Stalin’s oppression, persecuted by Nazi’s and finding their way west to plant strong roots in my hometown. Emil and Adeline were both as tender and huggable as they were formidable. Their love for each other and family glowed - like a warm hearth with dancing flames I felt drawn to them. Halfway through reading Mark Sullivan’s recently published account of their story “The Last Green Valley,” I am humbled, gripped, heart-stretched, tender, torn and in awe.