Orphan Girl: The Memoir of a Chicago Bag Lady

This story is true

almost impossible to believe that someone could suffer such abuse and still remain a soft hearted woman. Stalwart in many ways. An inspiration to those who knew her and now those who read her story. It is easily apparent that this book was transcribed tenderly and with much love. Save it for a rainy, lazy day because once you begin to read you will not be able to put it down.

A friend recommended this book to me and I put off reading it for awhile because it seemed so sad. But it was one of the best books I've ever read. It was sad but also very inspirational. While reading the book, you almost feel like you know Marie and by the end of the book, you wish that you could have known her.

This book touched the heart and moves the soul. The author does a remarkable job of bringing this unknown little bag lady to life and to our awareness. Her story is the story of so many lost souls in America's streets. This book inspires one to do more, reach more, and love more.

I remember when Marie would come by the House on Wilson Ave (where Jesus People USA housed thier Missionaries). Often as Marie talked I wished she would go away, but at the same time I knew I wasn't really to busy to sit and litsen to a lonely lady who just wanted someone to talk to. She was a caring person, I remember when I was working the front desk one night, no visitors where allowed on the seniors floor (we had a seniors citizens program) after 8 p.m., but here she came in as she often did to visit, but today she wanted to take a bowl of soup up to one of the seniors that had a bad cold. Of course I had my orders and I explained to her the visiting hours, but she didn't like that answer - just then she seen the wife of one of the pastors "Oh Sister, Sister" she hollerd and explained what she wanted to do. Mrs. Williams said it was O. K. and as Marie grabed her basket and ran for the elevator, pulling her basket behind here, Mrs. Williams explained though Marie doesn't look it or didn't live there, she was one of us with free run of the house. She died a few months later. Now I know more about Marie's situation -- you will never look at the homeless the same once you get to know Marie.