Nobody's Child

Nobody's Child is a memoir of the life of Marie Balter, an extraordinary woman who, after spending 20 years in a Massachusetts mental institution, went to college and, in the mid-1970's, earned an M.A. from Harvard University and founded the Balter Institute, a center for psychiatric treatment and counseling. Her life story was made into a made for television movie in 1986. Marlo Thomas played Marie, and won an Emmy for her performance.

The main reason I read the book was because I knew it was a story about resiliency. Marie was taken from her single mother when she was 5 years old, and put into foster care. She was adopted about a year later by an Italian family, Ma and Pa Bartello. Her life was characterized by anxiety attacks and depression. At one time the psychiatrists thought she was schizophrenic and they put her on some experimental drugs that almost killed her. Her story in a mental hospital referred to as "The Castle" is reminiscent of One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, but more filth. Over the years, conditions improved, with better science and a more empathic staff. As a result, Marie improved, was released, and her next chapter in life began. She when she was 68 in 1986 of cancer.

The last paragraph of her book gives insight to her resiliency:
Mother Teresa remains a guiding inspiration in my life. As she devotes herself to the hopelessly dying, I wish to dedicate my life to the hopelessly living. And as she draws her strength to from God, I wish to become a servant to God's will. There's a verse in the Old Testament which I treasure, and it's being carved deeper and deeper into my heart.I will build an altar unto You, O God, of the broken pieces of my heart.

Will you love me?

by

David Michael


Deep into your dark brown eyes,
I see the piercing pain of your plight.
"Where is your smile, la niña?"
Has darkness overcome the light?

Is their room in your heart,
for this precious little girl?
Or will life be for her,
a never ending, downward spiral?

Love is a magnificent mystery,
Faith is trust with no end,
Hope is a heavenly gift
This little girl, needs a friend.

An Adoptee's Question

A young woman in her mid-twenties asked Dr. Laura, "I was cleaning out one of my parents' closet, when I came across my birth certificate. I found out I was adopted. What do I do? Do I tell my parents?

Dr. Laura's answer surprised me. She asked the young woman what her childhood was like. "Wonderful," the adoptee said. "Then don't do anything. They don't need to know that you know. Why take a chance?"

I was very surprised by Dr. Laura's answer. Although the caller sounded like she accepted the answer, I can imagine she is still inflicted with major questions that are gnawing at her soul. My advice would have been different. What do you think?