The past belongs to everyone who was there. What do you remember? ADD YOUR STORY
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While our sister is incommunicado, celebrating her birthday in Mexico with her husband, I thought it prudent to publish a slightly embarrassing photographic journey of a life filled with a whole lotta love, intelligence, kindness, generosity, beauty, and grace. (To ensure that she won’t be TOO mad at me, I included a pretty picture of her in which I have a double chin.)
Here she is, all smiles from the very beginning.
These arms are always open for a hug. Also, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to post a picture of her in a bikini!
Another hug, another bikini. This is a great example of the warmth that this gal brings to any situation. Look, she’s making Amanda smile! (Though not rare in real life, Amanda is not one for smiling in photographs. And you all KNOW how she felt about her little sister at this point in time!)
Ah, yes. The famous catalog shoot that began and ended Liz’s modeling career. She is wearing turquoise jeans, btw. Young Brooke Sheilds, for realz!
Heh, heh. Prom. She’s seriously going to kill me for this one.
Liz in front of her home in Long Island. It’s a happy place. Look at that grin!
Here’s Liz and me in Marfa, Texas, where we finished writing The Kids are All Right. We were trying to take an author photo of the two of us. This one, needless to say, was not a contender. (Note my chin.)
And here’s our beautiful sis on her wedding day. There seriously and in all honesty has never been a more beautiful bride!
WE LOVE YOU LIZ!!! HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!
I am on my way to purchase your book for our book club selection we are discussing early March and feel like i know you all already! Happy Birthday!
Happiest Birthday Ever, Liz!
I am on page 320 of your book. I can’t stop reading it. This book gives me hope, everything does not have to turn out bad in the end. And I think if kids have a loving foundation from the beginning, which you all did, they’ll draw on that strength and love and be able to overcome hard times.
This story is inspirational.I am recommending it for my four, adult, children,
Becky-33, Angala-30, Dan-26, Mary-23.
Thank you for writing your story, I feel like I know all of you
Love, Cindi
Dear Wendy, thanks for your kind message! And let us know if you want any one of the welches to Skype in to your book club! We would be HAPPY to do it… just shoot us an email at thekidsareallrightbook@gmail.com and give us the date you want to do the book club–we’ll do our best to call or skype in to answer any questions you or your friends may have! THANKS for recommending our book to your group! All best, liz
Hello Cindi! Thanks sooo much for your kind message! And for recommending our book to your children… Love that you have one boy called Dan!! and three daughters…. poor Dan! (Yours and ours, being surrounded by so many women…) I hope they all are as close as we are… sounds like they are based on your note. Thanks again for getting in touch! and for the incredibly kind words about our book. All the very best, liz
Dear Amanda, Liz, Dan and Diana,
You are more than just all right, you are amazing and so is your book! I just read it on a road trip to visit my 93-year-old mom in my hometown. How lucky I am to still have her and to grow up with both parents, always living in the same house (although you couldn’t have told me that when I was a teenager!) I admire your persistence and perseverance in maintaining your family ties. Liz, I look forward to your next book — write on! Thanks to all four of you for sharing your lives so honestly.
Annie P.
Happy belated Birthday Liz!
I have just finished “The Kids Are All Right” and I have to tell you that I laughed and cried, ached and identified throughout. 1985 was the year my dad died (I am now 33). I am inspired by each of your stories to talk to my own brother (3 years younger) about his ‘version’ of our history, all those years ago. Thank you for sharing. I wish you all great happiness and love x
Carly xxx
Happy belated birthday Liz! I finally got your book from the library yesterday and I finished it last night. I could not put it down. I am recommending it to everyone I know! I want to thank you and your family for sharing your story – I could relate to it. My husband lost his dad at a young age and his mom was not able to care for him and his 6 (yes 6!) siblings. They were all split up and put in various foster homes and some of them were considered old enough to fend for themselves. They are all still very close and it really amazes me how close they are considering how they were all seperated growing up. I loved reading your life story and want to thank all of you again for sharing it with us!!
Dear Carly and Pam, thanks so much for the birthday wishes! And for sharing your stories with us. We are continually amazed at how many people relate to this story on a personal level…. I hope you write your own story Carly! And that your husband writes his too Pam. In fact, we are teaming up with the Foundling, a NY based organization to help raise awareness about keeping siblings together in the foster care system! If your husband is interested in sharing his story with me for this, please tell him to get in touch! He can email us at thekidsareallright@gmail.com. We are collecting stories of siblings who were separated… and would love to include his if he is up for it. All the very best, liz
Liz,
The Welch’s are an inspiration! Your mom and dad were very special and will always be. Hang onto all those memories and keep them inside and bring them out every day. Although the four of you lost your parents early…too early… they are still with you every single day. The Love you received from your parents in such a short time doesn’t even compare to the Chamberlain’s who are still alive. Guys I commend each of you. We are reading this for our book club and will discuss this on Monday. all my best.
liz
I couldn’t put your book down once I started to read. You four are amazing individuals and I was overjoyed to know you are still so close to one another today. I am an only child but reading about you all makes me long for siblings. Your book is beautifully written and I thank you for sharing your story. Having watched your mother on TV I can certainly understand why you are all so talented. I wish you all continued success and happiness.
Shary
I was fortunate to be able to be with Liz on her birthday in Mexico; the beach @ Puerto Morales!
What a pleasure to meet them.
June
This morning I am awed and so very grateful. I woke early to finish your book. It is quiet now, although I hear the gentle sounds of my daughters waking. Your story will be with ne today as I watch the sisters laugh, sigh, exasperate, and grow with each other. I am so sorry for your loss, but am so happy for your continued discovery — that with a sibling next to you, all can be good.Best wishes to each of you, and thank you for sharing your story (ummm…and music, I graduated high school in 1984 :O)
What a beautiful note, Tracy! You really captured a gentle morning in your home! Thank you so much for sharing it with us. And thank you for the kind words about our book!
xoxDiana
I just finished reading your amazing story! Why was it so addicting? It was a burning desire to see it all turn out all right. Although I must say that as I read along there was some satisfaction in knowing that those who did wrong will be exposed now ! ( I loved that) Thank you for your honesty, all of you. It made it all the more real for me. I am sure that this book is going up the best seller list fast. I would be shocked if it doesn’t. I’ll be telling everyone I know about it. p.s thanks for this little extra peek into the happy ending!