The story began in 1986 when Laura Schroff was approached by apparently homeless 11-year-old Maurice and asked for spare change. At first she ignored him and kept on walking, but something made her turn around, go back, and take him for lunch at McDonalds. They met every Monday after that for four years, and hundreds of times after that. Twenty five years later they are still friends. Laura Schroff made a profound difference in Maurice's life, providing him with food, clothing, advice, and many other basic needs. A moment of compassion led to a friendship that has lasted a lifetime and been an example to many. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to everyone. You can't help but be uplifted by the story.
This book was first published in 2011, and is now available in multiple formats and in four additional languages. A portion of the proceeds from the paperback edition are donated to the No Kid Hungry program to help relieve childhood hunger, and the An Invisible Thread website provides links to many other wonderful organizations that are making a difference for children and families in need.
Sounds like a wonderful book. I worked with the poor and homeless for many years. My husband just shakes his head and smiles whenever we visit any city because before we leave I'm usually on a first name basis with a least one homeless person in the vicinity of our hotel.
ReplyDeleteJen, I admire you for yor compassion and your work with the homeless. I know that I could definitely learn from your example.
DeleteSounds good, and since I run a charity for homeless it certain is worth looking at. I had two reactions reading your post. One was ohhhhh isn't that nice, and then almost immediately I felt anger. How does an adult walk away from a child in need after she takes him to McDonalds? Why didn't she call authorities to get this kid off the streets? Did she go home to comfort warm bed week after week, knowing he was on the street and felt seeing him once a week was enough? I wonder if she had kids. Would she have been ok...with someone feeding her young child and leaving him/her to their own devices on the street. Hum...and so Laura is now making money from this experience..maybe I won't buy the book after all. Truly...I have very mixed emotions. Eventually he aged, but......in the beginning he was a child.
ReplyDeleteMaybe I need to explain that the boy wasn't actually completely homeless. He did have family, (though they were very dysfunctional) and they did have housing of sorts. She did have contact with his mother and grandmother, and they and other children were also helped. I don't agree with all of the actions of the author, but she really did make a huge difference for good in the
Deleteboy's life.
Ooooo, this sounds like a GREAT story! I will have to check it out for sure. Always looking for a good read, especially heartfelt one!
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Thanks for sharing! New follower here. I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge and I look forward to visiting again.
ReplyDeleteSylvia
http://www.writinginwonderland.blogspot.com/
I read this book earlier this year, and it's a good one! I was very inspired while reading it.
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It was a good book, wasn't it, Meagan. I would hope that I would do all I could to help in a similar situation. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteA lovely story of compassion and the creation of a relationship — and a book.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
What a wonderful story about a wonderful friendship!
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ReplyDeleteThanks! I hope that you enjoy it.
DeleteSounds like a wonderful story! Imagine being brave enough to do that!
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http://ficticiousamo.wordpress.com/