You can go home in your dreams

I watched the world go by from my crow's nest in our apartment above Solick's restaurant go by.

Maternal Courage

Mom was bone thin - her top weight was 100 lbs. when she was pregnant, but she moved through the world with an air of righteousness. I often wondered where my Mother got her guts. Sometimes, as a kid, her outspoken, opinionated manner embarrassed me, but I knew she would always defend me. She taught me the meaning of integrity, bravery, and unfailing charity.

We hit pay dirt!

The streets were our playground where we made new friends and had adventures as people moved in and our of our neighborhood.

Spreading the Love at St. Mel's School

Every holiday and holy day was an opportunity to raise funds for charity at St. Mel-Holy Ghost School, and this St. Valentine's Day was no exception.

Giving is learned early

We were taught by our families and our school to give service to others - a value that guides us to this day.

Christmas was a sweet holiday on Madison Street

Mom loved candy, every kind, and Christmas was no exception. While every day was a day for her to celebrate, her joie de vivre hit a high point at Christmas when her generosity took center stage.

We're always at our best when we are giving.

The door was always open on Madison Street for those in need. Mom made sure of that, and this Christmas it was especially important to a woman and her small child to find shelter, care, and love.

The Big Build Up

From November 1 on we eagerly anticipated Santa's arrival and the Christmas holidays.

Youthful enthusiasm elects a President

Volunteering for a presidential campaign was the thrill of a lifetime and so empowering, reminding me that it is up to every one of us to make change happen.

The Mummy

We loved the Castle horror films and others, but The Mummy held a special place in our heart. Who could pass up an opportunity to see him in person? But would Mom let us go to the dingy Alex Theater? Oh, we just had to see him.

Sisters and best friends

My sister, Barb, was my best friend and comrade in all our childhood adventures.

I wanted a pet, any pet, and I was willing to work

My burning desire for a pet led me to engage in various business schemes, and, ultimately, a chance at stardom in The Smile Club.

My desire for a pet, any pet, led to early creative business ventures when I was growing up on Madison Street.

A tiny tot takes off to explore the city streets i

The freedom children had when I was growing up extended to the smallest child. Chicago's West Side was one big adventure then.

The streets were our playground

We found our friends and adventures in the streets of Chicago. Our neighborhood was in transition - people moving in and moving on. People and kids from all different backgrounds.

There was always room for more on Madison Street

The world's problems are not new. My story, Bethlehem on Madison Street, demonstrates that often extending a helping hand even in a small gesture of kindness can be life changing for a person in need. This is the lesson my Mother always taught us: "the greatest of these is Charity." Read this heartwarming story in West Side Girl.

Nothing was too scary for two fearless girls

Even the funeral parlor down the street opened its doors to us to explore its mysteries.

Escapes at the Marbro

Giving mom a break and taking younger siblings to the movies with us - often with catastrophic and hilarious results.

It was an adventure for us kids every week at the Marbro Theater. Unchaperoned, we thrilled to the features on the big screen. And, if the movie was slow, the Babies always kept it interesting.