| Total Comments: 412 |
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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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