| Total Comments: 447 |
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| We recently watched your film in our Music in Special Education class and I appreciate that you took the time to make this movie for the world. It was both moving and inspirational. I have an unconditional love for my younger sister so I can see how you worked so hard to find yours. Also the influence of music in Molly's life is what we all at Florida State's music therapy department are trying to do in the lives of many people. I’m delighted that music was able to touch Molly’s life in such a positive way. |
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| #446 |
| Name: Marcia K. Hesse |
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| I worked with men and women with developmental disabilities for 31 years and still find people who feel those who are different should be "put away". We have come a very long way, but apparently, not far enough. |
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| Mr. Daly,
I wish there was more family like you out there. I work with individuals whom all were committed to the Fairview Training Center, and have little or no family contact. We try so very hard to help enrich their lives, but at the end of the day, we are not their families. Thank you for sharing your story. I hope you have inspired many others to do as you did. |
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| Wow, amazing story. My son has autism, though his label would be high functioning, I am not sure what would have happened to him had he not been born in a time when the Mollys of the world were sent away and forgotten. There is still much to be done in terms of educating people about children with special needs, but I am happy that they are now included and not isolated. Thanks for sharing your story Jeff. You have done a great thing. |
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| I watched the story of Molly on CBS, and it really affected me, since my grandson, who is 2, was diagnosed with very mild autism, and through extensive therapy at home, the difference in his behavior, speech,understanding, is like day and night within a short period of time. If he were born in the 50's, like Molly, he surely would have been institutionalized with a terrible life, of no life, ahead of him. I remember those days, when children (like my mother's friend's son) were
automatically put into an institution with no other alternative, that is
what was done, and that is it, "for the good of the family". Parents
did not even consider keeping the child and working with him/her. Once in a facility, the child would become like the rest of the people there, severely retarded. I cried so, watching your broadcast, thinking of my little Max, who we know will go to school and have a pretty normal life, because of all the therapy he is having at home, rather than doomed in an institution, had it been years ago.
Thanks for making people aware of these issues - surely there are many
families who lived the same life as you did with your sister, years ago.
Even though, I am so angry that your Mom did not visit her, I feel that it
was all the guilt and denial she was feeling. Your father is really a special and wonderful Dad, along with your wife! Thank you. |
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| My heart goes out to both of you. Most people are not as lucky to find a loved one. My 90 year old mother hasn't found her sister who left home at the age of 18.Her sister said she would come back and get her and no one has ever heard from her again. There's a sadness when my mom talks about her. I think by now she knows we will never be able to find out what happened to her big sister. Hold on tight to what you have found always remember the love you share. |
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| I saw your story on the CBS website. What a great story. I supervise a group home for individuals with disabilities and I wish I saw more family members like you, even after many years. It is heartbreaking to see how many individuals have wound up with minimal or no family contact. Molly is grateful for what you have done for her. Cherish all the memories and the future ones as well. |
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| I just read the blog post that a Diary of a Mom did today about inclsuion and in her lovely post, she had a link to the CBS This Morning clip about Where's Molly. Watched it and welled up with tears. So glad that you have been able to reconnect with your sister. Praying that your younger brother's heart will be turned and that he will eventually want to develop a relationship with his older sister.
Thank you for sharing. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Have a blessed holiday season. |
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| I am so your found your sister. Your sorry was a real touchstone for me . My older brother Ricky was born 1948 with water on the brain and had seizures daily. my mother and dad were encourage back than to institute him as well. they choose not to and our lives without Ricky was so rewarding because of their choice. It was a hard life for them but with the to keep him we will be forever thankful. |
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| I just read your story about finding Molly online at CBSnews.com and wanted to let you know that short story moved me beyond words. My heart broke for you and Molly and your dad and for all of the precious disabled angels who were sent away and forgotten. I am so happy you found her and may God bless you both. |
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| Your story cut right through me, especially when you mentioned your mother didn\'t visit Molly much. I saw the Sunday Morning piece, and cried for days! I\'d like to offer that sending your sister away was so traumatic to your mother, she had to focus on you and your father to maintain her own sanity. I cry for her pain most. Your parents obviously did some things well - look at you! blessings to you and yours! |
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| Hi I got an assignment at school to find a article that made me feel sad, mad, happy, etc. and i saw your article on CBSnews.com and i just wanted to say it was great. i chose it for MY article and shared it with my classmates. and THEY thought it was so heart warming. i know it must have been really tough for you to do that interview and i just wanted to give you some credit. I know if i had to talk about my lost sister i would cry the whole time. :,) |
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| What a sad but wonderfull outcome for Molly, I worked with people like Molly and a lot of the older generation had no contact with familys for many yrs, it was so sad because they still waited for a family member to just turn up and visit after many years, It makes me weep for all those still waiting, and yes it happens in the UK too, Bless you Molly im happy for you and Sad for ur mum and dad for the missing yrs of joy you would have brought them. xx |
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| I also saw the story on 'CBS This Morning' this past Sunday. Hearing his story touched me greatly. I have a sister that I've just reconnected with- after almost 20 years. Although she was/is not developmentally disabled, I could relate to much of Jeff's emotions & feelings. It's not necessarily the easy thing to reunite with a loved one...due to how the rest of the family may react or feel...but I think it's the right thing. Jeff- thanks for sharing your story & god bless! :-) |
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| I have a foster home for mentally handicapped adults.Three of my clients are from Fairview. This story touch me my heart so much i saw the whole movie a few years ago and brought back memories when I saw it on Sunday Morning . One of my girls had seen any of her family for 40 years. After I saw this movie I understood more. Now we take my girl to see her sister once a year. But her Brother still won\\\\\\\'t see her. Seh was 18 when she was put at Fairview. I am going to email her sister maybe she will watch it too. And understand more what happened to their family. |
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| The special program of Where?s Molly on CBS Morning really caught my interest. I have a down syndrome and autistic son. The thought came to me that even though it has been hard at times, none of us in our family or extended family could imagine Alex not growing up with us in our home. I emailed my children and family and all agreed Alex has helped all of us to be much better people. Raising Alex in our home has helped us refine some amazing attributes Love, Patience, Faith and Hope. Thank you for your story that helps us appreciate Alex even more. |
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| I saw the short piece on CBS this past Sunday. It really struck me because I have a brother Michael, who, when he (and I) were very young also disappeared from my life with no explaination from my parents. I was not told to forget his existence as you were, but there were never discussions about him nothing was mentioned. Because of the way this was dealt with (or not) in my mind he became a scary and repulsive figure. Almost every week we went to visit Michael at a private facitlity in Yonkers NY. The smell of the place sticks with me to this very day. I never saw the interior of the building. Michale was delivered to us in the waiting room where we would take him for a ride in the car to get ice cream or some other treat. It was a very very dark time. It took years for me to speak freely about his existence. Thank you for sharing your experience with me...I felt very much alone in this...and very ashamed. |
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| I was raised with a brother that has Special Needs, and yes he is a very special person, i am now his main care giver and over the last 2-1/2 months i have learned more then ever before, yes thank god for the special people, they may use special as well... |
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| #429 |
| Name: Vanessa D Hayden |
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| I saw this story on CBS Sunday Morning; what an amazing and thoughtful project.
The dignity you provide your sister is inspiring, and I'm glad you shared your story. I can't wait to see the movie! |
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| I watched your story today on CBS this morning and the emotions I went through after the show were intense. My brother was institutionalized after I was born in 1954. My parents also were told it would not be safe for me with a 'retarded' child in the house. After speaking with my sister, who also saw the show, we opened up quite a bit on how unbelievably difficult it must have been for our parents to have made that choice, but it also answered so many questions regarding my mother and how that choice affected my family! There was one difference with my brother, and Molly. We would visit him at Staten Island State Hospital, at least once a month on Sundays. I am happy I have some memories of my brother, but I do feel guilty thinking he was institutionalized because of me. My brother is now 58 and living in a State Home in NY. |
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| I saw your story this morning on Sunday Morning...I cried like a baby...I am sooo happy for you and for Molly...I too had parents who never told me about a baby brother ...he was put in an institution also...he had epilepsy...and back in 1935...it just wasnt right to keep a sick child at home...he died in there at the tender age of six months...I never saw him or knew he even existed until just recently...how sad..that we were kept in the dark back then...God Bless you and Molly..hold on tight and cherish the time you now have with each other... |
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| My brother grew up at Willowbrook. he is 55 years old. i have not seen him in over 40 years but I have just begun to write stories of him and to come to the realization, as you say, that we as children were brainwashed into thinking they didn't exist. I was told "He doesn't know who you are, so it doesn't matter that we don't go to see him". This story was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. Fortunatley, I know where my brother is now. I correspsond, but as soon as I am able (he is in NY & I am in WA) I shall go and reunite. Thank you for this story that so many of us can relate to. |
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| #425 |
| Name: Sunny Rosanbalm |
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| As a child, I lived in a home across the field from Fairview in Salem. My mother hired a girl to iron for us. We would pick her up and bring her to our home and then take her back to Fairview. She was precious to us! I had a a few other experiences that impacted me regarding Fairview. Now, I have a grandchild that is disabled and it blows my mind to think that he would have been institutionalized in those days. He is a treasure to our family that blesses us daily. Thank you for sharing your sister's story. We have a non-profit organization that helps families make their homes wheelchair accessible and therapy friendly. We need to be advocates for these special people that we have been blessed with! I hope your brother will come to know what a gift your sister is! |
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| #424 |
| Name: Mark & Sue Wade |
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| We watched the story of your sister Molly on the Sunday Morning show and were deeply touched. We had a daughter born in 1974 with Down's Syndrome. The doctors and nurses even then suggested we put our dautghter in an institution. But it never was an option as far as we were concerned and she as been and continues to be a blessing to us and our family. We are happy to see you have reached to out to your sister and she in now part of your life. It's never too late. We pray that your brother one day will too join you and your family and find the joy and love these children and adults can bring to their lives. God bless you and thank you for telling your story. |
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| I just found your story on Facebook. It was no coincidence your wife was put back in your life when she was. She was sent to you so Molly could be found, I firmly believe that. I have a son with Down Syndrome, and I'm thankful things have changed for our children since Molly was born. However, we still have a long way to go. Thank you for such a wonderful story, and for giving your sister the life she has always deserved. |
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| I saw your story on Sunday Morning. You're an amazing person with a good heart. You and I share a similar education and career. I too earned a BA in Communications, and I am a video editor. I hope that your brother sees the light and realizes the error in his ways. All my best wishes to you and your family. |
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| What a wonderful story I just saw on CBS Sunday Morning. I'm a 55 yr old man that was wrongly misplaced in a institution when I was 11. I was fortunate to be releases after 6 months.
It was my BIG secret for life.
Fast forward..I went on and graduated
High School,College and even graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in Education. Anything Oregon, always catches my eye, as I was on faculty at Portland State from 91-93 before moving on to other universities. As my discharge papers indicate,I was very fortunate to have been released, as it states, "Once one has been admitted, it's rare that they get released".
Someday, I will get the rest of my story out...
So when I saw your story my heart fluttered a bit with joy. so sorry about the relationship between you and your brother, he will come around!! |
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| #420 |
| Name: Shanna Higgins |
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| I just read your story on CBS. I am so touched by your story, and I am so happy for you and your wife, Cindy, for finding Molly and being able to have her back in your lives. I hope that other people will read your amazing story, and be inspired to take the steps to find their 'lost' loved ones. Thank you so much. |
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| I jst read your story on CBS online. As a child of the 50\'s I can understand how this happened to Molly. If you were the least bit \"different\" then it ws a stigma on you family. I was just left handed and and was a constant source of embarrassment and ridicule for my family. God bless you and I pray for your brother to realize what he is missing so you all can once again be a family. lhw |
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| I just sent an e-mail through the contacts page, but wanted to provide an entry for the guest book as well. My developmentally disabled brother was born in 1938, in Brooklyn, NY. I was born 6 years later. My parents were also told to place George in an institution and actually visited Willowbrook State School on Staten Island. They kept George at home, and when I was about 8 years old I asked my mother why George was so weird and always bothering me and my friends. I was embarrassed by him then. Somehow, my mother was able to explain. My parents, and others like them in Brooklyn, helped start an organization to help individuals with these special needs. My parents are gone. George has worked and lived with dignity his whole life and resides in a group home. Now I brag about George. I am so glad you found your sister. I wish you many more years together. |
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| #417 |
| Name: LYNNE MILLIKAN |
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| I WATCHED YOUR STORY ON SUNDAY MORNING TODAY.I WAS DEEPLY MOVED.WHEN I HEARD FAIRVIEW HOSPITAL IT RANG A BELL,MY OLDER SISTER KAREN WORKED AT FAIRVIEW IN THE LATE SIXTIES.I REMEMBER VISITING HER THERE SEVERAL TIMES,AS SE LIVED THERE TOO.WHAT A WONDERFUL,BUT SAD STORY.I HAVE ALOT OF RESPECT FOR YOU FOR FINDING YOUR SISTER,YOUR A WONDERFUL,CARING MAN,GOD BLESS YOU~ |
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| I, too, was born in the 50's, but I was fortunate not to have suffered any deep, dark family secrets. Reading this story is a moving experience, especially the father visitng the daughter as a clown. Thank you for the enlightenment. |
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| I just read your story on CBS website and want to thank you for sharing it. I remember the "homes" and the "stigma" that went with them years ago. It is important to keep the story alive so ignorance won't allow us to slip backwards. |
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| Dear Mr. Daly,
I just happened upon your story this morning, via the CBS website, and am speechless. I'm so very happy that you found her...for the both of you. I live right around the corner from the infamous "Willowbrook", where so many Mollys were never found. God bless you both, during the second half of your lives. Thank you for sharing your story! |
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| The Daly's presentation at the Greenstar Symposium really made me appreciate my grandparent’s decision in about 1930 to NOT institutionalize my dad’s older brother with Down Syndrome, but rather to disregard the doctor’s advice and raise him at home with his siblings. My uncle Dick was a great family unifier- everyone loved him and there was a lot of sibling interactions as he became old and needed supported from the siblings.He never forgot the names of his many nieces and nephews!
Everything today has been motivating & moving…especially hearing the Daly’s speak. Going away a better person. |
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| Dear Jeff and Molly,
I just finished watching your DVD and I cried. I cried tears of sadness for what was and what could have been, for lost childhoods, and broken families and I cried tears of joy for what is, changing attitudes, closed institutions and reunification.
If I could have but one wish I'd wish for you to translate your story into other languages so families and societies that still believe like 'we' did in the 50s will see the other side of it and start opting to keep their children home and close their institutions. In Eastern Europe and other countries around the world children are still being sent away. I hope it doesn't take another 50 years for them to see there's a better way!
Thank you for making the film and sharing your story. |
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| I just read your story in the MarinIJ. I too, have a Developmentally Disabled sister. She was born in '61 - a time when it wasn't acceptable to have a child like that living at home. But, my mom refused to send her away as every Dr. had suggested. When there wasn't a school for her, Mom helped start one. When the Sunday School teacher asked that Mom not bring her back, we taught her. We were not included in many family gatherings because she upset people. Our immediate family grew stronger and stronger and none of us can imagine our life without having grown up with her. |
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| Just heard you on Dr. Radio and am very moved by your story. I was involved in a different but emotionally equivalent family secret as a child--the representation that my step father was my real father, even though I remembered my biological father and his extended family with absolute lucidity. As you were told not to mention Molly, I was strongly discouraged from ever asking questions about my first 4 years of life with my father. I did reunite with him in the early 70s and we are still in close touch. We now live an hour apart and see each other frequently. It's a good end to an episode that has made it difficult to hear stories like yours without blubbering like a baby.
Congratulations on your fine achievement. I've just ordered a copy of your film and can't wait to watch it--Kleenex box close at hand.
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| There are so many aspects of the film and your story that touch me I hardly know how to express it. You made me cry, and you made me feel so glad to be an imperfect human, living in an imperfect world. You reminded me that even when bad things happen to people, or when people treat one another badly that often there is that inescapable underlying goodness that won't be denied and eventually bubbles to the surface. You, Molly, Cindy, and all the folks in this film express that goodness in such an open and obvious way. Thanks for sharing that. I hope more people get to see this film. This world needs as much optimism as we can conjure. |
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| Thank you for sharing your story, which was heartbreaking. I first learned about your story in an issue of People magazine and could not get to the internet fast enough to find out more. Your story is a true testament to the special place that siblings share in your life. I cannot wait to see the film, and I am so happy that you found your sister. Much love to both of you. |
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| I never thought that simply reading an article would move and effect me so much. Your story is one that I have already shared with others, and, as a middle school teacher, I hope to tell your story to my students. Your determination speaks magnitudes about your character, and I commend you. My only hope is that you and your brother can resolve the dispute and truly become a family with Molly. What a wonderful ending to the story!!
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| I’m ordering your DVD because I have not seen your film, but my wife and my sister in law have. They have a sister (my other sister in law) who is 57 and has Downs Syndrome. My wife is in a Sibs group and saw the movie there. They were so touched and moved my wife wanted me and our grown children to see it to appreciate that her parents did not put Kay in a home. It explains why they are so opposed to homes and my wife feels that if we all view it, we will all be more patient and understanding. I'm really looking forward to seeing it and have been warned to have tissues. My wife is sending a very touching letter to our kids asking them to share it and watch it.
Congratulations on your film and story and best wishes for it's continued success.
Tom
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| I think you are great! I really found the video on "Where's Molly" so touching. It has always been a fear of mine that my son Ryan might end up in a place like that if something happened to me when we first found out he had severe delays. I am so grateful that I can use my experiences as a mom and nurse to do good things for those that were less fortunate.
This is an inspiring video and I will watch it many times especially when I need to be reminded why it is important to do what I do. The individuals we assist are unable to advocate for themselves and there are times that it seems like there is so much opposition or hurdles that it can be exhausting and demoralizing. I know this won't surprise you but there are family members (usually the parents) that don't want the individual to leave the institution and can't see the wonderful opportunity that awaits them. Once the individual is in the community, the families are usually extremely pleased. At least that is how it has been for us so far. Sometimes, I get discouraged when I meet someone who does not seem to get it or worse, does not want to get it which can be heartbreaking.
We are fortunate in San Diego that the Regional Center here has a great video library for us to use for our training. That's how I saw the video to begin with. All our staff have already viewed it and were also so impressed and surprised as many of them have no idea how things were in the past so it was a real eye-opener. Many of them are going on into Nursing and I am really hoping that the experiences they are having in this setting will make them better nurses and educators for those they work with especially when they are dealing with individuals with developmental disabilities or other disabilities.
I will be purchasing "Where's Molly" DVD for the business, I will also encourage others to add this to their library as well.
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| I recently watched Rain Man and I had much more appreciation for the story line and the quality of acting since the first time I viewed it many years ago. I think your family story has even more complexity and interest. With the heighthened awareness of institutions and family life of people with developmental disabilities, institution life, the different ways Molly affected both of your parents and her siblings, how you now help others find their siblings - you would have a wide range of interested viewers if your story ever went real big, to Hollywood. What Im saying is your story is as good as Rain Man! I just wanted to share my thoughts. Hope you and your family are well. |
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| We saw you in Salem at the film festival a year or so ago. It was a very touching evening and I wanted to get the movie but I never think of it when I am at a computer. Then the other day I found a note to self reminding me of how special that was so decided to get two.
You still inspire me tho it has been over a year since seeing the movie. I dont think there was a dry eye in the Salem Elsinore theatre that night and then having Molly and you together and asking all the folks to stand up that used to work at the facility and continued to take care of these folks in their homes. That was just an unforgettable experience. Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the rest of us. The best love story of our time. |
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| I veiwed this story at an EI meeting, This is a story that I could never dream of having to do as a parent or sibling! Molly had alot to offer her family! My child was dianosed with PDD at 16 months old, she has been in EI for last four months and every word, step etc brings so much joy to me and my family! I'm so happy that Jeff found Molly and that they are working together to make changes! I couldn't picture my girls being rised apart and they are 12 years apart! just to see them together makes us all happy!
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| Mr. Daly, I am thrilled that you went searching for your sister Molly. I am a mental health consumer and I am very interested in seeing your movie. From the articles I've read about your search for Molly and you two reuniting makes me so proud. I wish you both happiness as your bonds grow stronger after all these years apart. Thank God for people like you. |
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