Young Gerhard Kleih grows up as a Hitler Youth. His father, an employee of the German National Postal Service, is forced to join the Nazi Party and smells a rat in the movement but has little choice about following the Nazi colors and staying in line. Transferred to Poland, he does his job while, at immense risk, secretly tuning in to the BBC. Then as the tide of conflict turns, the family, along with thousands of others, flees the oncoming Russian hordes but they are regarded by both sides as little more than bothersome waves of moving trash. Driven from place to place they are forced into bitter suffering that no human being should have to endure. They live through things that will scar their souls as long as the breath of life endures. Yet, with abiding faith and extraordinary resilience they survive, while Gerhard and his wife will go on to a remarkable life in America.