24 years ago today… Posted by Liz December 13th, 2009
our mom died. Christmas 1985 was the worst ever, and 1986 to 1990 were pretty sad too as my siblings and I were separated. Our memoir ends with the four of us reunited, after five long painful years apart. That Christmas 1991 was a happy occasion–Diana’s stocking hung stuffed to the cuff next to Amanda’s, Dan’s and mine. We played Santa for each other then, and continued to do so for many years afterward. In fact, many people who have read our book have asked, what happened next??
To start, we are all closer than ever. Here is a photo from my wedding day, May 30, 2009.
Diana was my maid of honor and Dan and Amanda walked me down my back yard aisle–
they stood by me as I married the love of my life, Gideon D’Arcangelo and Amanda cried throughout the entire ceremony and the toasts, too. Dan gave one that had the entire crowd captivated. I missed my parents on that day for sure, but my siblings made up for that loss, like they have always done. And, considering it was rainy and gray on May 29th, I do believe my parents did show up on that day in the form of radiant sunshine, bright blue skies and a few perfect fluffy white clouds. Daisy Stewart, who is still a huge part of my life and was the best substitute “mother of the bride” a parent-less girl could hope for, says that as she was watching Gideon and I exchange vows, she felt someone pat her on the back. We are both pretty sure it was mom. Here, you can see Mom in Amanda’s eyes, and Dad in Dan’s smile.
But I am jumping way ahead! People want to know about the years immediately after Diana showed up in Virginia wearing bloochers and headbands: Well, after two miserable years at the uber preppy Saint Annes, Diana transferred to Tandem, a super liberal school in Charlottesville where she was one of a dozen students in her class. Doc Martins and torn jeans quickly replaced the penny loafers and plaid kilts. Amanda had one house rule–no tattoos–which Diana quickly broke, inking a star on the top of her foot with a needle and indigo in the tenth grade. 
She also had a beautiful baby boy–Harvey Moon Hartman who was born on September 2nd 2009, twenty nine days before our book came out–and an AWESOME partner, Jesse, whom we all adore, and who is also an artist/builder/furniture maker. Check out his website: www.vulturenest.com. He has single handedly built the sprawling “compound” where he and Diana live with Harvey, two chickens and their dog “Chooch” (short for Chupacabra).
Dan got kicked out of RIT at the end of his sophomore year. It had nothing to do with his grades–though Amanda and I did conference call him after receiving an abysmal report card. We told Dan he had to maintain a B average if he wanted the trust to pay for his education–arguing that was what our parents would expect of him as well. He argued right back that his status as the “youngest Theta Xi rush chairman in the history of the fraternity” should exempt him from having to get good grades. Dan got a B his second semester, but got kicked out anyway: something to do with a fire extinguisher. He spent the next year driving cross country, staying at Theta Xi frat houses for free–apparently all it takes is a secret handshake–before landing in LA where he became a production assistant. He moved to New York in 1993, slept on my couch for a week before he found an apartment and a job and has been working in television ever since. He was working as a location scout for Salt, the Angelina Jolie CIA thriller when he met Lindsay, the love of his life and now his fiancee. They are expecting their baby on February 3rd, my birthday. The Welch family keeps growing!
I met my husband just I was finishing this book. Then, and now, I was working full time as a magazine journalist: www.lizwelch.com which I have been doing for the last 12 years. I first knew I wanted to be a writer when I was living in Edinburgh during my junior year abroad. That is when I decided I would write this book. I did my masters degree at Georgetown, then spent a year teaching 10th grade English in the Mississippi Delta. (my next book is based on that experience.) From there I went to Hong Kong for a year, before moving to New York City around the same time Dan came back east. At the time, Diana was a senior in high school, still living in Virginia with Amanda who had by then gone back to college and applied for her Masters in Architecture at the University of Virginia. Amanda, Dan and Diana came to my Georgetown graduation in 1991, we all celebrated Diana’s graduation from Tandem on 1993 and Amanda’s from grad school the following year. Uncle Russ walked Amanda down the aisle when she married Dennis–they still live in Virginia, but now on 60 acres in a house they built. Diana and I were bridesmaids, Dan a groom. Ever since we got back together in 1991, we have never missed one holiday or milestone. We even were all together the day Aunty Eve died. She had been placed in a nursing home by her daughter, and upon hearing the news we all booked flights to Oklahoma. When we all walked into the nursing home together, Aunty Eve, then 92 and strapped in a wheelchair, looked at us and said, “do you know how long I have been waiting for you people?” She’d been there four days–four days too long–and we Welches got busy: Diana massaged Aunty Eve’s shoulders, I did her nails, Amanda decorated her room and Dan recorded the entire day with his camera. We went back the next day to do the same, and that afternoon surrounded by “her kids” as she liked to call us, Aunty Eve had a heart attack. She died the next day. I like to think she’s up in heaven with mom and dad. I like to think they are all patting each other on the backs for a job well done. Our title works on many levels–the kids are all right. Thanks to them.
Just finished reading your book. You guys are amazing. To not only survive, but to flourish. Certainly shows the power of love. Reminds me not to take my own sibs for granted. Thank you for sharing your story. It continues to be written. – Mark
Hello to all of Ann’s children. My name is Kathleen Beller, and I worked with your mom on Search for Tomorrow from, um, let me see, well, I started in 1972. I think. I was about 15 years old at the time, and thought your mom was one of the loveliest women I’d ever met. I would have been in awe of her, if she hadn’t been so friendly, chatty- to me the kid!- and kind. I’ve mentioned her to my kids over the years, and often thought about her with great affection. As one of the only kids on the show, I didn’t keep in touch with the other actors as I might of had I been one of their peers. I came across your editorial in the New York Times this morning, and was surprised and saddened to read about her death, which I hadn’t known about. I realize that as a letter of condolence, I’m decades late. Back then I was a kid who was off on my own adventures, I didn’t keep up with the news. I just want to tell you that for me this holiday, so many years late, I will be mourning for your mom. I am sorry for your loss, and happy that you have gone on to make such good and happy lives. I wish you a happy holiday, and much joy now and in the future. Kathleen
As the “Fact-checker” I must correct Liz’s above blog. I never got a Master’s degree. I went to UVa to finish my undergraduate degree.
Wow thanks, Kathleen! It is so wonderful to hear from Mom’s colleagues!!!
and thanks, Mark! We love to hear that people are thinking twice about their relationships with their siblings – it is such a special bond.
Dear Welch Family, I couldn’t put your book down yesterday so I had to finish it all in one sitting! Yours is such a wonderful story, full of life’s truths – the bitter and the sweet! Thank you so much for sharing your story. I’m so sorry that you had to go through so much pain and am happy you have integrated those experiences into a happier existance. Most of all, I’m glad that you are still a close family! I really enjoyed your book and your website was just the icing on the cake! Kudos to all of you! If you are ever in Atlantic Beach, FL, you have a home with our humble family! Did I mention that I loved the book?
Hi, I am the Ted that lived down the road from you all, all those years ago. I read your book in basically one sitting yesterday.It brought back some memories and induced some revalations.
Perhaps I was a typicaly self-absorbed child, or more so, but the one thing I remember well from that time was when your father died, because of the way it scared ME. I worried about my own parents, and my father in particular, who was so rarely home. And as someone who travels 684 up and down frequently, I have so many times over the years thought about your father (who I never met) and that accident.
Dan your experience at TP was so like my own, but, somehow over the years, my memories have softened, to the point that I actually went to a renuion last year.
Thank you so much for this remarkable and beautiful memoir…it is so nice to hear that the kids are alright
ted
PS – We had roast beef and yorkshire pudding on christmas this year, as we have every year, for as long as I can remember.
To all the Welch Children,
You are an inspiring group! Your book was at times unbearably sad yet tremendously uplifting and beautifully written. It is clear that your parents will always be wrapped inside you because their memory lives on. It is said, that as long as a person’s memory is alive, then you will always have them with you. They would be proud of you!
What I got from reading your memoir is that the human spirit is an amazing thing and somehow it never gives up!
I couldn’t put your book down! Your honesty brought back a lot of memories for me. I was also 13 when my father was killed while we were living in Africa. My 15 year old sister responded the same way that Amanda did, and my 11 year old borther was petrified that my mother would die too. Fortunately she is still with us (30 years later)and I am so proud of her strength and resilience. Well done on sticking together and overcoming such adversity.
I really loved your book…I stayed up until 4:00 am to finish it! What was Nancy Chamberlanes’ reaction to how she was portrayed in the book? She sounds possibly mentally ill and at the very least very cruel. However, based on comments by Amanda at the end of the book, maybe Diana was not too easy to live with either, espcially in such a conservative household. I would love to hear more about that relationship.
Thanks,
Melanie Hopkins
I loved your book. I am recommending it to my twin sister. Your family’s experience is very similar to that of my brother, my twin sister, and me. We were orphaned at ages 9 and 7, respectively, and endured emotionally abusive experiences with various relatives. Diana’s time with the Chamberlains rings very loudly for me. It does still amaze us that even now, encounters with the relatives from the past transform us back into hurting young schoolkids who couldn’t do anything right, no matter how hard we tried to assimilate. Daily, there were reminders of our “outsider” status, even segregation at meal times! Nonconformity was met with threats of being dropped off at an orphanage, which was the worst thing imaginable, a complete lack of family ties. Now, at ages 42 and 40, the three of us are determined that our successes, especially with our own spouses and families, are the best healing for us (and possibly the best revenge). I just spent Christmas sitting so close like glue to my older brother on the sofa! 30 years ago, he would have punched my thigh REALLY HARD for being in his space like that!!
I have already sent my personal notes to Liz since I knew her at Georgetown. You are all so incredibly inspiring. I have shared the book with my own siblings with my wishes for a great 2010 for all of us. I wish the same to you and can’t wait to see the movie! Please come up to Lake placid (where I bought the book at the Bookstore Plus) for a book signing during the film festival there!
Just finished your book after crying many tears of sadness and then for joy. I am amazed at the resiliancy of all four of you and hope that as a parent I can pass on to my child what your parent’s passed on to you all so well — that love conquers all. I wish you all so much happiness and more and more love as the Welch family grows!
My friend Debby recommended this book which I just finished. But ‘finishing’ doesn’t feel right since its characters, all of you, are so penetrated with me. You reminded me of “The Boxcar Children,” a book about 4 children, orphans, who escaped a mean guardian and went to live in an abandoned boxcar in the woods. My first grade teacher read it to us, and I will never forget it.
As the oldest of 4 in an upscale family, I feel especially identified with aspects of your story. I try to imagine what would have happened to us if my parents had died when I was 19. But all the scenarios I whip up come from a woman of 57, rather than the girl of 19 I would have been.
I see my friends distant from their siblings, which they seem to slough off without thinking. I so love my three, but we inevitably don’t have that power bond, born of loss and rediscovery that all of you so carefully cherish and protect. I wish I someday get to meet you.
Thank you for giving us your memories.
Dear Kids,
I have just finished reading your amazing book. Its hard for me to put into words how much this story touched me. I am a divorced mother of three daughters and reading your story I cried and cried and cried. But, I’m so proud of all of you and know that your Mom and Dad are smiling somewhere. I feel as if you are my new best friends. Congrats on a great book and good luck with your babies/husbands/wives/pets etc…
Life is hard but you stuck together and that means a lot.
All my best,
Amy
PS: Diana – I know your Mamma loved you so much and didn’t want to leave you or your brothers and sisters. I wish I could give her a great big hug
This is a such a beautiful book. Thank you all for sharing such personal stories. I can’t imagine it was easy to do. Your resilience and your love for one another is inspirational.
I just finished your book and I was so touched by your stories. Having recently lost my mom, I am so impressed by the strength you all had to forge ahead and make the best of your lives. Your love for each other is beautiful. One thing I was wondering througout the book is why none of your aunts and uncles, and loving extended family members, didn’t take you all in after your mom passed, to keep you together? I know Auntie Eve was worried about her own age, but her kids maybe, uncle russ etc..?
Thank you for writing, Jennifer! So sorry to hear about your mother, and hope her passing was peaceful. To answer your question, our Aunt Barbara, Russ’ older sister, actually did offer to take all four of us in to live with her family in Mass., but Amanda and Liz (who, at 19 and 16 respectively, were put “in charge” of placing us kids) opted to have us all stay in the NY area, to maintain a sense of continuity in our chaotic lives.
Oh man, the thigh punch! I know it all too well. Also Indian Rug Burn and Bloody Knuckles. Amanda and Dan’s secret weapon of choice tended to be the torturous knee cap squeeze, which always sent me into full-body convulsions. In fact, while teaching me to drive in her manual-transmission Volkswagen Rabbit, Amanda enjoyed applying this technique at busy intersections. My body would completely spaz and flail, the car would inevitably stall, and Amanda would laugh and laugh.
Hey, I’ll be the first to admit that I’m sure I was no picnic, Melanie! Not only was I totally traumatized by the death of my mother and completely confused by the foreign climate of the Chamberlain’s rather stuffy house, but I have never been one to keep my mouth shut or to respond well to authority. So, I must not have been quite what Nancy was expecting when she said she’d take in Liz’s little sister!!!
The Boxcar Children was one of my FAVORITE books growing up, Christine.
I wish I could give my mom a big hug too, Amy! And I wish she were here to meet my son Harvey Moon. But there is no doubt in my mind that she loved me so much – I can still feel her love to this day!
Thanks to every one of you for your generosity in sharing your stories!
I, also, waited for uncle Russ to play the hero and take you all to his house…but Amanda really comes through as loving leader,thank God.
Down the driveway, even as i write (!) comes a friend to borrow my copy of your book! It will be passed on many times, I’m sure.
Best wishes to all,
Adie Mahony
I think I read about the book in O magazine and when i finally got a copy of it, i couldn’t put it down. As one of you said, the greatest gifts your parents gave you is each other but it didn’t make their losses any less traumatic or devastating. I lost my father three years ago and I still cannot believe he is gone and I too am very close to my siblings. I really admire your strength to deal with all of this, even now 24 years later, i imagine that the pain of the actual loss is still very much there. It’s as if you want the whole world to stop just for a brief second – almost like a moment of silence – to remember your beloved parents – to feel what you feel every day. I am wondering how you deal with all of this – yes, life goes on absolutely, but i know it can still be hard. I personally miss my dad more than ever – esp. after my first son was born – he is 18 months old now and what I wouldn’t do to have him meet my dad or really for my dad to meet him – it would have been his very first grandchild and i know they would have adored each other. Did your feelings about your parents being gone shift once you became parents yourselves esp. as you imagine what it must have been like for your mom towards the end of her life?
I really loved your memoir – thank you for sharing your story of loss and hope with all of us – for showing all of us that life does go on with or without our parents physically by our side.
Ted! Did anyone reply to you? If not, I apologize. We have been getting so many emails still daily it is hard to keep up. I TOTALLY remember you and your house and I am so sure reading our book was like a flashback in parts… describing West Patent road, Springhurst and Green Lane. Pizza and Brew, Shop Rite, and the Bazaar Mall! Thanks for your note, for reading our book and for saying what I think so many people felt way back when in 1982 when our dad died–it was scary! And then losing our mom on top of that was incomprehensible, I am sure, to everyone around us. Especially us. Anyway, just had to say hello! We did a reading in Mount Kisco at the Borders there and Dawn Enterlein came… it was so great to see her after all these years! Hope you are really well And wishing you an incredible 2010. All best, liz
Dear Sharon, thank you so much for your kind email! sorry it has taken a while for anyone to respond. Diana is the one who is best about correspondence, and she is also the mother of a four month old boy, Harvey Moon Hartman! So she has her hands full! He is the first of that generation, and so I will pose your question to Diana… and then Dan, who is expecting his first child in two weeks! (they are due on my birthday, February 3rd!) Writing that book certainly made me realize, now as a 40 year old woman, just how painful it must have been for our mother to know she was leaving us too soon. But I say time and time again that I feel lucky and honored that we had her and my dad as long as we did. They did their best, and they are the reason we are so close to this day. They loved each of us fiercely and wholly. That was their parting gift, and it translated to us doing the same for one another. I am so sorry to hear about your dad Sharon, and so happy to hear your siblings–and now your child!–are helping fill the void. Thank you for reaching out to us! Wishing you the best year yet. All best, Liz
Hey Adie! thanks for the note! And thanks for sharing our book with your friends! I love that you wanted Uncle Russ to be our hero! He was in so many ways… offering us a place to stay every summer for a week together was SUCH an incredibly important gift. We all realized it then, but do so more so now having written the book. As my brother said in the book, those vacations were like a refuge, a safe place where we could all be ourselves! I just wish Uncle Russ were alive to see the book published! I think he would be proud. As for Amanda, she continues to pull through for all of us all the time and to this day. It still cracks me up that her first chapter in the book was about how much she “hated” her family! And in the end, she winds up being our savior. How’s that for a narrative arch! Hope your friends enjoy our story too! All the very best, Liz
To The Welch kids,
I as many others could not put this book down,it was touching and real.I have really started loving memoirs,just for that reason.So far my favorite(besides yours) has been ” The Glass Castle” I’m sure you guys have read it and see a few similarities to it,mostly the bond of the 4 siblings,3 girls ,1 boy. Also the parents that loved their children, fiercely in different ways,but love is love all the same. You guys are quite remarkable and your parents are so very proud of you,they did everything right to have you all turn out the way you did. What also is so impressive is your resilience,you never gave up,you had your challenges but you choose joy and love and belief in yourselves and each-other. You all won. My Dad says that siblings are your closest biological bond and no-one will ever be closer to you than a sibling,I believe that. You guys live it. You have an incredible gift which you all cherish. I thank you for sharing your gift with me,you have enriched my life. I am so glad “The Kids are Alright” and I know they will continue to be. I love too,that you take the time to read these comments,that just shows how much this has meant to you all. Your families and kids are so lucky to have you and you will share your memories with them to know your parents too,they were very special. Thank you, Lucia Fletcher
Wow! Thanks to everybody who has commented on our recent blogs. Thank goodness Liz has been so diligent about checking the site – she’s right: I have had my hands full with work and Harvey, so I have fallen behind on my web duties!
Lucia, as Liz said, we haven’t heard from the Chamberlains, and don’t know if we will. I have to admit that I was a little … jealous isn’t the right word. Maybe wistful? … when Mrs. Hayes added her story to our website. I would love to hear the story from Mrs. Chamberlain’s perspective. At least, I think I would. On the other hand, maybe it would be really weird and painful. Who knows?
Read your book in one day while watching my granddaughter 17 months and niece 29 months and could hardly put it down. I have four sisters and three brothers and have always treasured the bond we have. Four of us were born around the same time you four were. My father was hit by a car when I was 9 but I was fortunate enough my mom remarried and he is my dad now. He filled his shoes perfectly. It was a sad but feel good book in the end. What would we do without family?
Mona, here’s to the power of family!!! thanks so much for reading our book, and for sharing your thoughts with us! I know I speak for my siblings when I say we sooo appreciate your kind words. It makes us that much more proud that we decided to put our story out there. Wishing you all the best, liz (on behalf of Amanda, Dan and Diana too!)
Lucia! What an amazing letter! Thank you for reaching out to us. I have to say, reading the comments is a real highlight for me and my siblings–we are constantly amazed, and touched, at how many folks have been moved by our story. Your dad is so right–a sibling bond is a special one and we feel like we are proof of that! So glad that there are so many other people out there who feel the same way. Thanks again for reading our book and taking the time to share your thoughts with us! Wishing you all the best, Liz (on behalf of her siblings)
Just finished the book and enjoyed it so much; not often a book can bring me to tears. My Dad died when I was three months old, my sisters were 11 and 15. My oldest sister became my “Mom” as my Mother couldn’t hold up under the shock of Dad’s sudden death (cerebrial hemmorage) and having just had a child. I remember my whole childhood having the fear of losing my mother as well.
I know just what Diana felt like and my personality is much like hers as well. We’re survivors. I am 65 years old; Mom lived to be 89; and I believe, as your Mother strongly did, that death is just a change of energy. When my Mom died and my sister and I cleaned out her apartment, we found jars, pocketbooks, etc., full of pennies. We were not surprised, as Mom always worried about $ and having food and heat for our apartment. I rolled all of them and we deposited to her account; which was meager. It was after that chore that I began to find a penny on the ground, the floor, or even a pocketbook. I realized right away that was Mom’s way of communicating with me as the “finds” came at times I was thinking of what she would do; or that I wished I could talk to her again, etc. When my granddaughter was around 6, she was asking me questions about life and if there is a hereafter. We were walking on a sidewalk in Marthas Vineyard that day. As I finished, she stopped, I looked back and wondered why. She said “look down at my feet”. There was a mass of pennies she was standing on!! Mom’s gift to my granddaughter to validate what she taught and what I was teaching: there is an afterlife!
My granddaughter will never forget that day.
I know that your parents were your guides and continue to this day. They are sooo proud!!!
PS: I missed the line: I told her about how I have found pennies ever since my Mother died; then she stopped…
I just finished reading your book and I wanted it to go on and on for another 300 pages! You are an inspiration to all and you always knew that family was most important! I am sure your Mom and Dad are looking down from heaven and are always very proud of you! I can’t wait for your next book!!
Thank you so much, Crystal! We can’t wait for our next books, either!!!
Joy, what a a wonderful note to receive. Thank you so much for sharing that story of how your mom communicates with you, still! Liz often says she feels our parents by her side, and though I have never actually felt my mother’s presence in a ghostly form, I believe she lives on in the love she gave me those first seven years of my life. It’s a love I can still feel today.
But you know, your mother’s idea withthe pennies sure is a good one! Maybe I just need to be a little more open to signs…
thanks again,
Diana
Dear Amanda,Liz,Dan and Diana,
I lived in Bedford in 1983 and remember Liz and Diana well. My 2 sons Johnny and Tyler were a few years behind Diana at Ripp and I think Liz babysat for them a few times. I remember how frightening the deaths of both of your parents were to me as a mother. For years after that I was extremely frightened of flying for fear of what would happen to my sons if something happened to me. I eventually out grew that fear when they got old enough to take care of themselves.
I knew both the ‘Stewarts’ and the ‘Chamberlains’.I am so glad that ‘Daisy’ is still part of your life: she is a kind person and I heard good things about your relationship with her.
I was also well aware of the tensions at the ‘Chamberlains’ since Tyler was in the same class as their oldest child. It was so puzzling to me that they would ‘adopt’ Diana since they were so different from your family. Liz always seemed to have everything pulled together and perhaps they thought Diana was just like Liz. Then Diana just vanished and we were all puzzled what had happened to her.
I saw your article in the NYTimes and was overjoyed to discover that all of you have found happiness and success.
Your book is an amazing testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family. It is haunting and so beautifully written. It reaffirms that children should be allowed to develop their own personalities and not be put into a mold. Also the great importance of keeping the children in a family together when they are left without parents.
I and so many good people in Bedford had wanted to help you during those difficult years, but didn’t know how. You touched our lives and we cared deeply. I am so very very happy to discover that yes, the kids are all right. Best wishes for happiness in your lives and for sharing your experiences with all of us. Fondly Ellen Boynton
Thank you for this website, because after finishing the book I just felt I couldn’t let all of you go yet… your stories stuck with me so much, I just needed a little more I guess!
I read your book straight through during a few late night nursing sessions with my newborn second daughter- so many times the difficult first week home I was questioning what we were thinking with having a second baby. Your book really reminded me the most important reason I had another: because it was imperative for me that my daughter have a sibling.
I couldn’t stop thinking of my own sisters (there are 5) while reading the book. Your memories really exemplify the beauty, ferocity, and complexity of sibling relationships, to a T.
I also thought often of my brother-in-law who lost his mom at age 5 and dad at age 9. What little I know of his and his older sister’s life journeys after that seems to have many parallels to your family’s. Both of those “kids” are all right too by the way.
Yours is a story I feel honored to have read- Shine on Welch family!
loved the book!! thank you for writing it. I lost my beloved twin brother in a car accident (single car, similar to your dads) 7 months ago and it has been devastating. I can relate to much of the pain you all went through, but in a different way. I’m so glad that you cherish each other as you do,and that you have each other in this world! Look forward to the next book!
Thank you so much, Shannon! We are honored to get such heartfelt and sweet feedback from our readers. And congrats on the new addition to your family!
Thank you, Ellen! I remember your family really well. I think I might have come to your home when I lived with the Chamberlains? Anyway, It is so great to hear from those who knew us back when – and I agree: I think perhaps the Chamberlains thought they were going to get a little Liz when they agreed to take me! Whoops!
Oh, Kathy. I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I can’t imagine losing one of my siblings – let alone a twin. One thing I have learned from this process of writing my book was that I was so , so lucky to have had the parents I had – even for such a short time. Thank you so much for writing us, and I hope that your bro is smiling at you, wherever he is.
xoxDiana
Hi,
I just finished reading your book in one sitting. I was moved in so many ways. I lost my husband in a car accident about 8 months ago. My 11 year old daughter and I were in the car, but miraculously unharmed. I am also a cancer suvivor, so I pray everyday for that cancer not to come back and leave my daughter alone. Your story made me see that everything can be alright again.
On top of all that, I grew up in Bedford and was at Fox Lane at the same time you all were! I was a year behind Amanda and a few ahaead of Liz. I actually knew some of the people you wrote about and the memories that were stirred by mentions of the Bazaar Mall, Denim Mine, etc. have been incredible!
Thank you for writing this book – you all are truely an inspiration.
Wow, Eve. YOU are an inspiration. How scary that must have been – and be – for you and your daughter. But, it’s true, as you see in our case – time heals most things, and the love you give your daughter today with stay with her long after your departure, no matter when it comes.
Crazy that you are also a Fox Lane alum!
Thank you for this website, because after finishing the book I just felt I couldn’t let all of you go yet… your stories stuck with me so much, I just needed a little more I guess!
I read your book straight through during a few late night nursing sessions with my newborn second daughter- so many times the difficult first week home I was questioning what we were thinking with having a second baby. Your book really reminded me the most important reason I had another: because it was imperative for me that my daughter have a sibling.
I couldn’t stop thinking of my own sisters (there are 5) while reading the book. Your memories really exemplify the beauty, ferocity, and complexity of sibling relationships, to a T.
I also thought often of my brother-in-law who lost his mom at age 5 and dad at age 9. What little I know of his and his older sister’s life journeys after that seems to have many parallels to your family’s. Both of those “kids” are all right too by the way.
Yours is a story I feel honored to have read- Shine on Welch family!
Dear Amanda,Liz,Dan and Diana,
I lived in Bedford in 1983 and remember Liz and Diana well. My 2 sons Johnny and Tyler were a few years behind Diana at Ripp and I think Liz babysat for them a few times. I remember how frightening the deaths of both of your parents were to me as a mother. For years after that I was extremely frightened of flying for fear of what would happen to my sons if something happened to me. I eventually out grew that fear when they got old enough to take care of themselves.
I knew both the ‘Stewarts’ and the ‘Chamberlains’.I am so glad that ‘Daisy’ is still part of your life: she is a kind person and I heard good things about your relationship with her.
I was also well aware of the tensions at the ‘Chamberlains’ since Tyler was in the same class as their oldest child. It was so puzzling to me that they would ‘adopt’ Diana since they were so different from your family. Liz always seemed to have everything pulled together and perhaps they thought Diana was just like Liz. Then Diana just vanished and we were all puzzled what had happened to her.
I saw your article in the NYTimes and was overjoyed to discover that all of you have found happiness and success.
Your book is an amazing testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of family. It is haunting and so beautifully written. It reaffirms that children should be allowed to develop their own personalities and not be put into a mold. Also the great importance of keeping the children in a family together when they are left without parents.
I and so many good people in Bedford had wanted to help you during those difficult years, but didn’t know how. You touched our lives and we cared deeply. I am so very very happy to discover that yes, the kids are all right. Best wishes for happiness in your lives and for sharing your experiences with all of us. Fondly Ellen Boynton
I also stayed up until the wee hours of the morning finishing your book. I love non-fiction that portrays the triumph of the human spirit over adversity and your story fits the bill. Congratulations to you all. I am a retired third grade teacher and reading these blogs brought back fond memories of my students’ joy in reading the timeless Boxcar Children. For many it was their first chapter book.
To the Welch siblings,
I finished your book today in amazment, that the four of you have not just survived, but thrived considering the chain of events that unfolded after your parents died. The bond between siblings is amazing and unbreakable, and your story, told with such brutal honesty, was touching and profound. It brought back this for me: My father died, unexpectedly, three years ago and my three siblings and I, crushed, converged at my parents’ home within hours…I’ve never cried more or laughed more in my life than at that time, when I was surrounded by the people who know me best. Thank you, thank you, for sharing your memories with us!
Thank you, Elizabeth!