Becoming Hazel

inspired by true eventsHazel Cunningham was born to faithful loving parents in Kalamazoo Michigan in December 1889. She had a severe curvature of her spine and one shortened leg and there was some talk about why the Lord had allowed that to happen - or whether it was a curse. But Hazel saw no reason why she should be constrained by anyone's expectations though the taunts from others were distressing. Midget. Cripple. Willful. Stubborn. She had also heard Brilliant. Inspired. and Brava! She adored applause and she lived for it. Hazel yearned to be an independent modern woman and her opportunity came when she was sent away to Mineral Wells Texas to be cured of her congenital ailments. There she met Mildred Witherspoon a generous new friend and confidante; JB Parker a movie theater owner and mentor; Maria de Jesus a suffragist; and Charlie Roberts an awkward fireman nearly two decades older and two feet taller who fell head-over heels in love with her. She was about to break all the rules with their help.