We drove on a journey of listening through rusted places known for opioids and left-behind industry. We found strength born of gritty creativity. How is this possible? A desk clerk in Huntington said it all, The weak have all left.

Wanting to glean beneath the surface level of 15-minute presentations at expensive meetings, we were surprised by a fire hose of knowledge, compassion, innovations from unlikely places, people and programs. We found people growing closer and stronger through storms of adversity, being transformed while caring for those previously seen as the Other. We saw love and compassion healing even those injured who had lost hope.

Only a few months later we are all living in towns humbled by COVID-19 virus with much to learn from places that have survived much worse. The places that will thrive on the other side of COVID will be tough and gritty. How to learn about them: you have to go and listen. This book is from sacred ground that others like you love. We hope it helps you see your own ground with new eyes for new possibilities.