Born in 1950, Christine Thiel only had four years with her mother, who died prematurely of complications after a minor medical procedure. Christine’s sister, born with disabilities, only had three years with her mother. The man they knew as “Dad”, struggled to raise the girls, with the help of housekeepers, but ultimately surrendered to the difficulties of this lifestyle he tried to maintain. The responsibility of caring for five years old Christine was passed to her maternal grandparents. Christine adapted to life on the Lobethal farm, attending the local school, and doing her daily chores. Her grandmother was an enthusiastic gardener, growing the vegetables to supply the family.